University of Virginia Library

BOOKSELLERS.

Catalogue of Booksellers in the Colonies, from the
First Settlement of the Country to the Commencement
of the Revolutionary War, in 1775.

The dates of the years which precede the names of the booksellers, specify
the earliest periods when they are known to have been in business.
The precise time could not, in all cases, be ascertained.

BOSTON.

1652. Hezekiah Usher, was the first bookseller in English
America of whom I can find any account. Books
formed a proportion of his stock in trade; and the first
works which were published in this country were printed
for him. Of these an edition of the New England version
of the Psalms, small 12mo, to bind up with Bibles, claims
the precedence. The imprint to that book is, "Cambridge,
Printed for Hezekiah Usher, of Boston." The date and
the name of the printer are omitted; but I have no doubt
the book had gone through three or four editions, as early
as the year 1652.

Soon after the settlement of some parts of America, a
corporation was established in England for propagating
the gospel among the Indians in New England; and Usher[1]

was agent for managing the pecuniary concerns between
the corporation and the commissioners of the United colonies
in New England. He procured the types, paper, &c.,
and managed the transactions relating to printing the
Bible in the Indian language, which was in the press from
1660 to 1663. Besides bookselling, he conducted a commercial
establishment, and acquired considerable property.

1672. John Usher, the son of Hezekiah. In 1672 an
edition of the laws, revised and alphabetically arranged,
was printed by S. Green, in Cambridge, for John Usher in
Boston. I have seen several books printed for him since
that time.

An English bookseller, who was an author, and resided
some time in Boston,[2] wrote thus concerning John Usher.
"This Trader makes the best figure in Boston; he's very
Rich, adventures much to Sea; but has got his estate by
Book-Selling; he proposed to me the buying of my whole
Venture,[3] but would not agree to my Terms; and so we
parted with a great deal of seeming respect."

John Usher was treasurer of the province when Sir Edmund
Andros was governor. He was employed by the
government of Massachusetts, when he was in England, to
purchase the province of Maine from the heirs of Sir Ferdinando
Gorges. In 1683, he became lieutenant governor
of New Hampshire, which office he retained some years;
but, during the time he resided chiefly in Boston, and
carried on his business as usual. "He was a man of unpolished
manners, severe in the execution of his office, was
but little of a statesman, and less of a courtier,[4] and became
so odious to the people, that they prevailed on the king
and council to remove him." He had a seat at Charlestown

at which he resided after he retired from business,
anno 1700.

1673. Edmund Ranger, was a binder; but had some
small concern in bookselling.

1679. William Avery, "Near the Blue-Anchor." I
have found but few books printed for him.

1680. Samuel Phillips, "At the Brick-Shop at the
West-End of the Town-House." Considering the infant
state of the settlement, he was a large dealer in books;
many of which were consigned to him by Dunton, who
was his factor in London. He published several books
which were printed in Boston.

Dunton mentions Phillips as his "old correspondent;"
and observes further, "On visiting him in Boston, he
treated me with a noble Dinner, and (if I may trust my
Eyes) is blest with a pretty, obliging Wife; I'll say that
for Sam (after dealing with him for some Hundred Pounds)
he's very just, and (as an Effect of that) very Thriving. I
shall only add to his Character, that he's Young and
Witty, and the most Beautiful Man in the Town of Boston."
He died in October 1720, aged 58; and was characterized
in the Boston Gazette, as "an exemplary Christian, an indulgent
husband, a kind father and a true friend."

The descendants of Samuel Phillips continued the bookselling
business in Cornhill, till after the revolution. They
traded in English goods also, as was customary with the
booksellers in Boston for a century after the town was first
settled.

1682. John Ratcliffe did but little work as a bookseller;
but I have discovered a few pamphlets which were
printed for him.

1682. Samuel Sewall, was a bookseller, although not
bred to the trade. He was appointed by the government
to the office of a magistrate; and, in 1681, was made conductor

of the press in Boston, with permission to carry on
printing in that town.[5]

1682. John Griffin. I have seen only two books printed
for him, and one for him and John Ratcliffe.

1684. Richard Wilkins, "Near the Town-House."
He had been a bookseller at Limerick, in Ireland, but
came to New England as an asylum from religious persecution,
and settled in Boston.

Dunton gives the following description of him: "His
Person is Tall, his Aspect Sweet and Smiling, and tho' but
Fifty Years old [in 1686[6] ] his Hair is as White as Snow.
He is a Person of good Sense, keeps up the Practice of
Religion in his Family, and (upon a Nice Search into all
his Affairs) I found it had a General Influence on all the
Actions of his Life: He was deservedly chosen a Member
of Mr. Willard's Church, and I think he's a Pious Man, if
there's such a Thing in Boston." He died at Milton,
December 10, 1704, aged 81, and was buried in Boston.

Dunton gives the characters of Wilkins's wife and
daughter, who were very amiable and accomplished
women. During the eight months that Dunton carried on
bookselling in Boston, he boarded with Wilkins, who did
considerable business. When Dunton left that place, he
empowered Wilkins to collect such debts as were due to
him there.

1684. Joseph Brunning, alias Browning, "At the
Corner of Prison-Lane," now Court street, in Cornhill, was
from Amsterdam; he wrote his name Brunning, or
Browning, at pleasure. He traded largely and published
many books, the imprints in which are indifferently spelled
Brunning or Browning; one of these being the Dutch, the
other the English way of writing his name.

Dunton mentions him in a very handsome manner. In
describing his visits to the various booksellers in Boston,
after his arrival there in 1686, he thus characterizes Brunning:
"I rambled next to visit Minheer Brunning, he's a
Dutch bookseller from Holland, scrupulously just, plain in
his cloaths, and if we will believe the Printers in Boston
(who are notable Criticks in such cases) a most excellent
Paymaster. Brunning is vers'd in the Knowledge of all
sorts of Books, and may well be stil'd a Complet Bookseller.
He never decries a Book because 'tis not of his
own printing; there are some Men that will run down
the most Elaborate Pieces, only because they had none of
their Midwifery to bring 'em into public view, and yet
shall give the greatest Encomiums to the most Nauseous
Trash, when they had the hap to be concerned in it. But
Brunning was none of these; for he'd promote a good
Book whoever printed it; and I found him a Man of that
great Interest, that I made him my Partner in printing
Mr. Mather's Sermon, preached at the Execution of
Morgan, who was the only person executed in that
Country for near Seven years."[7]

1684. Duncan Campbell, "At the Dock-Head over
against the Conduit," was from Glasgow, and was, probably,
the father of John Campbell who, in 1704, was post
master in Boston, and the proprietor of the first newspaper
which was published in the English American
colonies.[8]

Dunton mentions Campbell by name, as "the Scotch
Bookseller," and says, "he is very industrious, dresses
a la mode, and I'm told, a Young Lady of Great Fortune,
is fal'n in love with him."

1685. Andrew Thorncomb, from London; he was a
bookseller in that city. I believe he, like many others for

some years after the settlement of Boston, came over with
a quantity of books on speculation, and having sold them,
perhaps the greater part by wholesale, returned to Europe.

Dunton writes that he was acquainted with Thorncomb
in New England, and mentions that "his Company was
Coveted by the best Gentlemen in Boston, nor is he less
acceptable to the Fair Sex; for he has something in him
so extremely charming as makes 'em very fond of his Company.
However he's a vertuous Person, and deserves all
the respect they shew'd him."

1686. James Cowse. I have seen only one book printed
for him namely "The Church of Rome, evidently proved
Heretick."

1686. John Dunton, was born at Graffham, Huntingdonshire,
in England; his father was fellow of Trinity
College, Cambridge, and rector of Graffham.

Dunton was brought up to the bookselling business in
London; where he entered extensively into the trade; and
in the course of time became a very considerable publishing
bookseller. He had a general correspondence with the
booksellers of England, Scotland, Ireland and Boston. But
fortune did not always smile on Dunton. He lost a large
sum through becoming surety for his brother-in-law, and
was a great sufferer by the troubles of England in 1685;
insomuch that his circumstances became embarrassed.

On the death of Charles II, James II, his brother, ascended
the throne of England; who being a great enemy
to the duke of Monmouth, the natural son of Charles II,
caused him to be expelled from Holland, by the prince of
Orange; and was the occasion of his being persecuted in
Brussels. Being a favorite-with the people, Monmouth
was stimulated by that consideration, and by a principle of
revenge, to make an attempt to dethrone James, and place
the crown of England on his own head. He landed in
England, raised a small army, which was defeated, and

he was beheaded in consequence of this rebellion. His
adherents fled; and Dunton, being one of these fugitives,
escaped to Boston, where the sum of five hundred pounds
sterling—a considerable object in the deranged state of
his circumstances—was due to him; and his design in
going there was to collect his debts. The management of
his affairs in London he intrusted to his wife, who, according
to his own account, was a most excellent woman, and
he had a great affection for her. He embarked on board a
ship then lying at Gravesend, and took with him books
suitable for the Boston market to a large amount. He put
others to the value of five hundred pounds sterling on board
another vessel, destined to the same port. The ships were
overtaken by foul weather, before they cleared the British
channel. That which bore the consignment was lost, but
the other, in which Dunton had embarked, weathered the
storm. After a tedious passage of more than four months
duration he arrived in Boston. Dunton had taken the precaution
of procuring letters of recommendation to the most
eminent clergymen in Massachusetts, and to the principal
gentlemen in Boston; in consequence of which he was
kindly received and politely treated on his arrival. He
procured a warehouse where he exposed his books for sale,
and found a good market for them. At the expiration of
seven or eight months he had a considerable number of
books unsold; but he opened a store in Salem, where he
soon disposed of the same.

During Dunton's residence in Boston, he visited the
governor, lieutenant governor, the principal magistrates,
&c., and dined with them in the town hall, on the day
of election. He paid his respects to all the clergy, in
and about Boston, Dr. Increase Mather, the Rev. Cotton
Mather, Messrs. Willard, Alien, Eliot, Higginson, of Salem,
and many other ministers. Dr. Mather he calls the "metropolitan
clergyman of the country." When he had sold

off his books, he took leave of his friends, and returned
to England.

On his arrival there he was apprehensive of a prosecution,
for which reason, after remaining some time incognito, he
went to Holland, Germany and Ireland. A revolution
having been effected in England, in 1688, Dunton returned
to London, and recommenced business on the very day the
Prince of Orange arrived in that city. Dunton again
launched forth into extensive business; and published
many works, among which were some that were periodical.
The Athenian Gazette, which was afterwards denominated
The Athenian Mercury, was continued several years, and
the editors of it, among whom Dunton was the principal,
were highly complimented in poetical and prosaic
essays, by Gildon, Motteux, De Foe, Richardson, and the
celebrated poet laureat, N. Tate, who was concerned in a
version of the Psalms, which is well known in America.
His other periodical works were The Post-Angell, and The
Night Walker.

As a kind of drawback on Dunton's fame, I ought,
perhaps, candidly to mention that he had the misfortune
to be introduced into Pope's Dunciad,[9] where the present
of the goddess Dulness to Curl is represented as

The note of the Scriblerus Club, on this passage, runs
thus, "John Dunton was a broken bookseller, and abusive
scribler; he writ Neck or Nothing, a violent satire on some
ministers of state; a libel on the duke of Devonshire, and
the bishop of Peterborough, &c."

In justice to Dunton I must observe, that this severity
was, perhaps, wholly unmerited, and produced solely by
a difference of opinion; as the works which the club calls

libels might be strictly conformable to truth, and probably
met the applause of those who thought like Dunton.

During his second run of business Dunton lost his wife;
and married another, whose fortune, though considerable,
was not payable till a younger brother came of age. After
ten years of success in business, the tide again turned, and
through losses in trade, and other misfortunes, Dunton
again became embarrassed. On this occasion he pressed
his wife's mother to enable him to pay his debts, but
could not prevail, although he thought to enforce compliance,
by abstaining from the usual intercourse with his
wife. To these means he added entreaty and argument;
but they proved equally ineffectual; and Dunton, who
formerly wrote for profit and fame, was now obliged to
write for his daily subsistence. At this period, anno 1705,
he published The Life and Errors of John Dunton, late
Citizen of London; Written by Himself in Solitude. He gives
an account of his voyage to Boston, of his business there,
and of his travels in Holland and Germany. He characterizes
upwards of a thousand persons then living, among
whom were the booksellers of most note in Boston, many
of the clergy and other eminent persons he visited, or with
whom he was acquainted, together with several of his
male and female customers, in and about "the metropolis
of New England;" after which he proceeds to the authors
for whom he published, all the printers, binders, engravers
on wood and copper, whom he had employed, and the
company of stationers in London; and, he concludes with
the most conspicuous of his London customers. He was
an adept in writing of this kind, and appeared to engage
in it with peculiar pleasure and ease. In this work there
is a singular mixture of humor, anecdote and religion, and
it is, perhaps, a true picture of the mind and disposition of
the author. At the conclusion of it he observes, "could
I not compose a few sheets for the press, I might now

starve; but it is well known that in the course of a few
years I shall be able to pay all I owe to a half farthing."

Dunton had a patent from king William and queen
Mary, for the sole printing and publishing an English
translation of The History of the Edict of Nantz, in four
volumes. During the life of his first wife he made a will,
and appointed her sole executrix, and desired her to bury
him the seventh day after his death, and not before, lest he
should come to life, as his mother had done on the day
appointed for her funeral. This circumstance, respecting
his mother, he relates at the beginning of his Life, &c.
Having been sick, she, to all appearance, died. "After
lying three days, her friends were about to put her into a
Coffin for interment, when to their astonishment she
revived from the trance in which she had fallen, and was
thus mercifully restored; in a year after she dy'd in
earnest."

Dunton was a man of a singular character. He appears
to have been a complete, enterprising bookseller; and was
sensible, humorous and religious.

1690. Nicholas Buttolph, "Next to Guttridge's Coffee-House."

I have discovered many books which were printed for
him. He carried on business about fifty years, and was a
man of respectability. On the 29th of January, 1737, he
died, considerably advanced in years.

1690. Benjamin Elliott, "Under the Exchange, Head
of King-Street." He was largely concerned in publishing
books, among which were the laws of the general court;
and he was a noted dealer in books which were printed in
Boston. He was about fifty years in business; and died
November 9, 1741, aged seventy-six years.

1690. Benjamin Harris, had a bookstore "at the London
Coftee-House," two or three years; but removed to

"The Sign of the Bible over against the Blew-Anchor,
Cornhill."

He had been a bookseller and printer in London, and he
printed and published several books during his residence
in Boston;[10] where he remained five or six years. He returned
to England, and followed printing and bookselling
in London.

1690, Obadiah Gill, was but little known as a dealer in
books. I have seen only two pamphlets which were printed
for him.

1690. James Wade. I have found a few pamphlets with
the imprint, "Boston, Printed for James Wade," which is
all the intelligence I can procure concerning him.

1695. Michael Perry, "under the West-End of the
Town House,"[11] was a publisher as well as a vender of
books, and did considerable business.

1695. Vavasour Harris, "opposite the Old meeting house,
in Cornhill," was a short time in the business.

1699. Elkanah Pembroke, "near the Head of the Dock."

1700. Samuel Sewall, junior, was the son of Samuel
Sewall, who was appointed conductor of the press, and was
authorized to print in Boston. I do not find that he was
largely in trade.

1701. Nicholas Boone, "at the Bible in Cornhill." In
1704, when The Boston News-Letter made its first appearance,
it was printed by B. Green, and published by
Boone, for John Campbell, the proprietor of it, who was
postmaster.

Boone was an eminent bookseller, and many books,
written in America, were published by him.

1711. Eleazar Phillips, "at the Sign of the Eagle in
Newbury Street," afterwards "at the Lower-End of King

Street;" and, in 1715, he removed to Charlestown, near
Boston. He was the only bookseller who had settled in
that town prior to the revolution; but never embarked
largely in trade. One of his sons established the first press
in South Carolina; and died there in 1732, soon after he
began printing. Some time after the death of his son,
Phillips went to Carolina: and after remaining there a few
months he returned to his business in Massachusetts.

In 1750, Phillips published in the Boston Evening-Post,
a short address to the public, in which he recommended
the raising of silk worms in New England. He stated that
when he resided in Carolina, he was informed by a silk
weaver that "only one crop" could be raised there in a
year; that he had made an experiment with eggs which he
brought from Philadelphia, and found that he could raise
two crops, annually, in New England. The advantage
he attributed to the climate, which he supposed was more
favorable to the growth of the mulberry, than that of South
Carolina, which he thought too warm to produce food so
nutricious and congenial to worms as that raised in more
temperate regions. Where vegetation is less rapid, and
the leaves longer in coming to maturity, they do not ripen
and decay so speedily as in Carolina. His advice does
not appear to have been regarded.

Phillips lived to the age of upwards of seventy-five
years.

1712. Joanna Perry, "King-Street, near the townhouse."
She was the widow of Michael Perry, and after
his death continued the business several years. Some
pamphlets were printed for her. She died September 19,
1725.

1712. Samuel Gerrish, "at the Sign of the Buck in
Marlborough-Street," but in 1716, "North Side of the
Town-House." He published a number of small books,
and seems to have carried on considerable trade.

1713. Daniel Henchman, "Cornhill, Corner of King-Street,
opposite to the Old Brick-Meeting-House."

Henchman was the most eminent and enterprising bookseller
that appeared in Boston, or, indeed, in all British
America, before the year 1775. He furnished much employment
for the presses in Boston; and several books
were printed for him in London, which were sent over in
sheets. He was principally concerned in an edition of the
Bible, and another of the New Testament, which were
printed privately in Boston.[12] Henchman built the first
paper mill in New England; in doing which he received
aid from the legislature of Massachusetts. During his
long connexion with the trade he acquired a handsome
estate. He was made a justice of the peace; a lieutenant
colonel of the Boston regiment of militia; and, finally,
was made a deacon of the Old South church. He died
February 25, 1761, aged seventy-two years.

1715. George Brownell, lived at "the North End,"
and advertised that he taught "Writing, Cyphering,
Navigation, also Musick and Dancing." And he sold
books also. I have seen an Almanack which was printed
for him; but he was very little knowu as a bookseller.
He removed to Philadelphia.

1717. Gillam Phillips, "over against the West-End of
the Town-House." He was neither largely nor long in
the trade. I have seen only two small works printed for
him. A considerable fortune was left to him, and he
retired from business. He died October 18, 1770, aged
seventy-five years.

1719. Benjamin Gray, at the "Head of Town-Dock,"
published several books, among which was a pamphlet, the
publication whereof brought on him a prosecution on

the part of the government, as appears by the following
record of the proceedings of the council, viz.:

I am not perfectly acquainted with the result of this
affair, but I believe it was terminated by a compromise.

Gray, though not a very considerable bookseller, was
many years in trade, and worked at bookbinding. He
died January 7, 1751.

1719. John Edwards, "King-Street." I can learn but
little respecting him, further than that he published a few
books.

1720. Robert Starkey, "Fleet-Street," was from London.
Whilst in business in that city, he published a book

containing reflections on the British government; and fled
to Holland to avoid a prosecution. After the prince of
Orange ascended the English throne he returned to England,
and continued his business in London several years;
he also made a voyage to Boston; but did not go largely
into trade there. How long he remained in New England
I cannot ascertain. It is said he was a man who possessed
much information, and was a zealous asserter of English
liberty.

1723. Joseph Edwards, "Cornhill," was a very respectable,
and a considerable publisher, bookseller and binder.
He continued in business more than forty years.

1723. Nathaniel Belknap, "Head of Scarlet's Wharf,
North End." He bound books, but did not go largely
into the sale of them. Some small pamphlets were published
by him.

In April, 1730, he published in the Boston papers the
following advertisement: "To be Sold, Choice black Mold
for Gardens, &c. at a very reasonable rate, By Mr. Nath.
Belknap, Bookseller, at the North-End of Boston."

1723. Samuel Robinson, was born in Dorchester, and
served his apprenticeship with Boone. He sold some
books, but his principal business was that of a binder. He
died at the age of eighty-five years, in February, 1771.

1724. John Checkley, was I believe, an Englishman,
and of the high church party. He published and sold a
pamphlet, containing 132 pages, octavo, entitled "A Short
and Easie Method with the Deists. Wherein the certainty
of the Christian Religion is demonstrated, by infallible
Proof from Four Rules, which are incompatible to any
Imposture that ever yet has been, or that can possibly be."
The imprint to the book was, "Printed in London, by J.
Applebee, and sold by John Checkley at the Sign of the
Crown and Blue-Gate, over-against the West-End of the
Town-House, in Boston, 1723." Checkley was prosecuted

at the inferior court in Boston, anno 1724, for publishing
and selling this pamphlet, which was called "a false and
scandalous libel, tending to draw into dispute his present
majesty's title to the crown—scandalizing the ministers of
the gospel, established by law in this province—falsifying
the Holy Scriptures—representing the church of Rome as
the present mother church; and tending to raise divisions,
jealousies, and animosities, among his majesty's loving
subjects of this province." Checkley was convicted, and
appealed to the superior court, in which the jury gave the
following verdict:

An able plea in arrest of judgment, was made by his
counsel; after which Checkley addressed the court, and
in the same handsome manner and style in which he had
before addressed the court and jury, he maintained that
the church of England, as established in England, and no
other, was established in all his majesty's plantations—
that no minister was lawfully appointed, but he who was
ordained by a bishop—and he gave it as his opinion, that
presbyterian and congregational ministers, so called, were
no ministers, and that they and their congregations were

schismatics, and excommunicated by the laws of the land;
or rather by the canons of the church of England, which he
said were a part of the laws of the land. The sentence of
the court was as follows:

Checkley paid the fine and costs of court the next day,
according to the sentence, and was discharged. Sometime
after he went to England, and there received episcopal
ordination. He returned to New England; was many
years rector of St. John's church in Providence; and was
highly esteemed for his learning and many amiable qualifications.
Whether he was a regular bookseller or not, I
am not prepared to say; I have seen no book printed for
him in America.

1725. John Phillips, "Stationers'-Arms, Corn-Hill,"
was the son of Samuel Phillips, and succeeded him in
business.

Besides a considerable trade as a publishing bookseller
and binder, he was a dealer in English goods, according
to the custom of those times.

During several years, Phillips was engaged in the service
of the public, as a magistrate, a colonel of the Boston militia,
a member of the general court and a deacon of the

church in Brattle street. He died April 19, 1763, and was
buried with military honors.

1726. Bennet Love, "in Anne-Street, near the Bridge."
His principal business appears to have been binding; but
some pamphlets were printed for him.

1727. Samuel Kneeland, "in King-Street, next door to
the Post-Office." He kept a bookstore four or five years
at that place; but during the remainder of his life he attended
wholly to printing.

1726. Thomas Hancock, "Anne-Street, near the drawbridge;"
was the son of the Rev. John Hancock of Lexington.
After being in trade a few years as a bookseller
and binder, he turned his attention to merchandize, in
which pursuit he acquired a very handsome fortune, and
became one of the principal commercial persons in New
England.

In process of time he became a member of the lower
house of assembly, and was afterwards a member of the
council. His disposition was naturally benevolent, and
his religious and political senitments were liberal.

I believe he served his apprenticeship with Daniel
Henchman, whose daughter he married. By his last will
he bequeathed 1000l. sterling to Harvard College, for the
purpose of founding a professorship of the Hebrew and
other oriental languages; also 750l, sterling to an incorporated
society for propagating the gospel among the Indians,
in North America; and 450l, sterling to the town of
Boston, towards building an hospital for the reception of
lunatics. As he had no children, he bequeathed the greater
part of his estate to his nephew, the late governor John
Hancock. He built the large stone house near the State
House, where he lived; and after his death it became the
residence of his nephew the governor.

On the 1st of August, 1764, as he was entering the council
chamber, he was attacked by a fit of apoplexy, and died
in two hours, aged 62.

1727. Nathaniel Proctor, "At the Bible and Dove
in Anne-Street," born in Boston; was a bookseller and
binder, and published a few pamphlets.

He married a woman who was supposed to have been a
widow; but a short time after his marriage, the former
husband of his wife returned after an absence of ten or
twelve years, and claimed her. This event occasioned
much embarrassment; but the parties having left the solution
of the difficulty to the wife, she decided in favor of
Proctor.

He died suddenly, December 8, 1766.

1728. John Eliot, "At the Great Elms,[13] South-End,"
was said to be a descendant of the Rev. John Eliot, of Roxbury,
who translated the Bible into the Indian language.

He published a few books, and was, many years, a bookseller
and binder, but his concerns were not extensive.
However, he acquired some property; and being a respectable
man, was made deacon of the church in Hollis street.
He died, November, 1771, aged 81.

1729. Alford Butler, "Lower-End of King-Street, near
the Crown Coffee-House, at the head of the Long-Wharf."
He was born in Boston, and served his apprenticeship with
Henchman. His principal business was binding, but he
published and sold a few books. He died in 1742, aged 46.

1730. Hopestill Foster, did some business as a bookseller,
but it was very inconsiderable.

1730. Francis Skinner, "At his shop in Fish-Street
near Halsey's Wharf," afterwards "at Pope's Head, Corner
of Prince-Street," was not long in business nor much
known as a bookseller.

1731. John Pemberton, "School Street," was born in
Boston. He was the son of the Rev. Mr. Pemberton the
elder; and brother of the Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton, of
the new brick church, formerly so called, in Middle street.
He was an apprentice to Robinson; but was chiefly employed
in binding. He died about 1759.

1732. Richard Fry, an Englishman, resided a few years
in Boston; and was probably concerned in the paper mill
then lately erected at Milton, which was the only one in
Massachusetts. I cannot ascertain whether Fry ever had
a shop of his own in Boston, or made use of that belonging
to Fleet altogether. The principal discoveries I have made
concerning him are comprised in the following advertisement,
which was published in The Rehearsal, May 1732.

"Richard Fry, Stationer, Bookseller, Paper Maker and
Rag Merchant from the city of London, keeps at Mr. Tho.
Fleet's Printer, at the Heart and Crown in Cornhill, Boston;
where said Fry is ready to accommodate all Gentlemen,
Merchants and Tradesmen, with Setts of Accompt Books
after the neatest Manner. And whereas it has been the
common Method of the most curious Merchants in Boston,
to procure their Books from London. This is to acquaint
those Gentlemen, that I the said Fry will sell all Sorts of
Accompt Books done after the most acute Manner, for
Twenty per Cent cheaper than they can have them from
London. I return the Public Thanks for following the
Directions of my former Advertisement for gathering Rags,
and hope they will Continue the like Method, having received
upwards of Seven Thousand Weight already.

"For the pleasing Entertainment of the Polite part of
Mankind, I have Printed the most beautiful Poems of Mr.
Stephen Duck, the famous Wiltshire Poet. It is a full
Demonstration to me, that the People of New England
have a fine Taste for good Sense and polite Learning, having
already Sold 1200 of those Poems.

Rich. Fry."

1733. T. Cox, "At the Lamb, on the South-Side of the
Town-House," was a bookseller from England, who kept
a good supply of English editions, principally of such
books as were valuable, and suitable for the market. He
generally resided in London, and his business was transacted
by an agent. He discontinued his bookstore in
Boston, anno 1744; and the remains of his stock in trade
were sold by auction.

1733. John Boydell, "In King-Street." He came from
England in 1716, with Governor Shute, to whom he was
Secretary; and being afterwards appointed postmaster, he
was for many years proprietor and publisher of The
Boston Gazette. Boydell was greatly esteemed. He died
in December, 1739.

[See Hist. of Newspapers.]

1735. John Parker, "Head of the Town-Dock," sold
cutlery, groceries, and some books. He died in 1738.

1736. William Gray, "Milk Street."

1736. Michael Dennis, Head of Scarlet's Wharf [afterwards
Hancock's], North-End," was, during several years, a
respectable dealer in books and stationery; he published
some works, and was concerned in the binding business.
He died July 12, 1763.

1739. Charles Harrison, "Over against the Brazen-Head
in Cornhill," was born, and brought up a bookbinder,
in England. He settled in Boston as a bookseller
and binder; and published Erskine's Gospel Sonnets, with
other works of a similar description. He joined the expedition
which went from Boston against Louisburg, in 1745,
and died soon after he returned.

1740. Benjamin Eliot, "South End."

1740. Samuel Eliot, "Corn-Hill," published a number
of pamphlets, which were written in New England; he was
a considerable bookseller, and was also a binder and stationer.
He died May 9, 1745, aged 32. His widow carried

on the business; and his son Samuel Eliot, became
an eminent merchant.

1743. John Eliot, "At the Great Elms," was the son of
John Eliot who for many years did business at the same
place. Some books printed for John Eliot the younger
have this imprint: "for J. Eliot, near the South-Market.[14]
He lived to an advanced age.

1743. Walter MacAlpine, "Near the Mill-Bridge,"
afterwards "in Union-Street near the Town-Dock." He
was from Scotland, and was a bookseller and binder. He
removed to Connecticut and died there.

1743. Nathaniel Gookin, "Cornhill."

1743. Joshua Blanchard, "Sign of the Bible and Crown
in Dock-Square," was an enterprising but not a successful
bookseller.

Blanchard was one of the original proprietors and publishers
of The American Magazine, which was first published
in 1743; and was concerned in other publications.
He was a dealer in English editions, in stationery, &c., but
finally he confined his trade solely to English goods.

1743. Alexander Carlisle, A Scotchman; served his
apprenticeship in Glasgow; he came from that place with
a collection of books; sold them chiefly at auction, and
returned to Scotland.

1745. Daniel Gookin, "Over against the Old-South."
He was a descendant of Gen. Daniel Gookin, one of the
first appointed licensers of the press, anno, 1662.

Gookin was not largely in trade; he died January 3,
1752, after an illness of only two days. I am of opinion
he had a son who was named after him, and succeeded
him in the same shop, which was the next door north of the
house built for the residence of the royal governors, and
now belonging to the state.

1745. Thomas Rand, "Cornhill, near the sign of the
Three Nuns," afterwards "in Anne-Street." He was by
trade a binder, but sold stationery and some books.

1745. Joshua Winter, "Union-Street," acquired some
property as a bookseller, stationer and binder. Winter
was a very pious, upright man. He died in December,
1761.

1749. John Amory, "Union Street," followed bookselling
and binding a few years; and was afterwards an
eminent merchant in company with his brother, under the
firm of Jonathan and John Amory.

1753. Thomas Leverett, "Cornhill," was a very respectable
bookseller, binder, stationer, and dealer in English
goods. He died June 28, 1778, aged 46.

1753. William MacAlpine, "Marlborough-Street," brother
to Walter MacAlpine, was bred to binding, &c., by his
brother; and became a considerable bookseller. In 1762,
he set up a press, and entered into the printing business.

As MacAlpine was a royalist, he left Boston with the
British troops in 1776; soon after which he returned to
Scotland, and died at Glasgow, anno 1788.

1754. Caleb Blanchard, "Dock-Square," was a brother
to Joshua. He was originally a dealer in books, but became
an importer of English goods.

1755. Timothy White, "Marshall's-Lane," and other
situations in Boston; sold small books; but was chiefly
employed about plain binding. He did very little business
of any kind. During the siege, he remained in the town;
and afterwards removed into the country, where he died.

1757. Samuel Webb, "Anne-Street," was born in Boston,
where he served his apprenticeship with Henchman. He
carried on bookselling and binding a number of years, but
not to a very considerable extent. He died January 29,
1792.

1758. Jeremy Condy, "Near Concert-Hall," afterwards
"in Union-Street, opposite the Sign of the Cornfield,"
kept a supply of valuable books, chiefly English editions,
and stationery.

He received his education at Harvard College, and was
a man of learning and respectability; and minister of the
First Baptist Church in Boston. He died in August, 1768,
aged 60.

1760. William Lang, "at the Gilt Bible, Marlboro'Street."
He came from Scotland, and was brought up to
binding, which business he followed in Boston, and accompanied
it with bookselling. His sales were chiefly confined
to Scotch editions of school and religious books. He
died in Boston before the year 1775.

1761. John Wharton, "Cornhill, Corner of King-Street,"
opposite the Old Brick Church. He and Nicholas Bowes
began business in company under the firm of Wharton &
Bowes. They succeeded Daniel Henchman, whose stand,
which had been occupied many years as a book and stationery
store, with his stock, they took possession of.
Their business was not so extensive as that of their predecessor,
particularly in the publishing line; very few books
were printed for them, as they confined themselves, principally,
to trading in English editions.

Wharton died in January 1768, aged 34.

Bowes continued the business till he died, in April 1790.

1762. John Hodgson, "Marlborough-Street," was bred
to bookbinding in Scotland, and became a good workman.
He was chiefly employed in this business, but sold a few
books. By permission of the court, he took, in short hand,
the trial of the soldiers who were concerned in the massacre
at Boston, on the evening of the 5th of March, 1770.
He gave up his shop in 1768, and was employed by John
Mein. Afterwards he sold small books from a stall in the
market place. He died about the year 1781.

1762. Philip Freeman, "Union Street." He was an
Englishman, who had been brought up a glover and
breeches maker, which trade or trades, he followed in Boston,
and was a dealer in what is called soft leather. In
the course of time he began to keep a small collection of
books for sale, and had several pamphlets printed; these
were on religious subjects. He was punctual in his dealings,
well respected, and was made a deacon of the First
Baptist Church. He died in April 1779, aged 77.

1762. James Rivington, "at the London Book-Store,
head of King-Street." He was an Englishman, and a considerable
bookseller in London. He never resided in Boston;
but employed an agent, who opened a valuable
collection of books printed in England, for sale. After
Rivington failed in London, he went with a large quantity
of books to Philadelphia; and afterwards settled at New
York.

1762. John Perkins, "Union-Street," served his apprenticeship
with Joshua "Winter, and after his death took
his stand and business.

1763. William Miller, was born in Scotland, and there
brought up to bookselling. He went to London, whence
he was sent by James Rivington, in 1762, to Boston, with
a valuable collection of books. Miller acted as agent to
Rivington one year; when he became his partner; and
the firm was, "Rivington & Miller, at the London bookstore,
head of King-Street, North Side of the Court House."
At this period Rivington lived in New York. Miller was
a young man of amiable manners, and was well acquainted
with the trade. He died in November 1765, and the business
was discontinued.

1763. William Phillips, "Cornhill," was the son of
John Phillips, and succeeded him in business. Being
bred a merchant, he turned his attention to the sale of
English goods. He died January 6, 1772.

1764. Alford Butler, "Cornhill," was the son of Alford
Butler who has already been mentioned. He was born in
Boston, where he served his apprenticeship with William
MacAlpine, and became a binder and sold a few books.
In 1774 he removed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and
there kept a school near twenty years, after which he returned,
and again carried on business as formerly.

1764. Andrew Barclay, "at the Bible in Cornhill."
from Scotland, was bred to binding, and followed that
business several years after he arrived in Boston. He sold
a few books.

1764. John Mein, was from Scotland, and began business
as a bookseller, in partnership with his countryman
Sandeman, "in Marlborough Street." Their sales were
wholly confined to Scotch and English editions; and their
partnership closed at the expiration of one year.

In 1766, Mein kept the "London Book-Store North Side
of King-Street." where he opened a large and valuable collection
of European books, and a handsome assortment of
stationery. As he sold for a reasonable profit, his trade
became extensive. He commenced printing in partnership
with John Fleming; reprinted several books, and published
The Boston Chronicle, of which he was the editor.

Mein was a staunch royalist; the publications in the
Chronicle rendered him very obnoxious; in consequence
of which he returned to Europe in November 1769; his
bookstore was then closed; and the Chronicle discontinued
in 1770.

1764. Sandeman, "Marlborough-Street," came from
Scotland in 1764, in company with his uncle, the celebrated
preacher and founder of the sect called Sandemanians.
Mein, the partner of Sandeman, came in the same
ship.

1766. Cox and Berry, first opened a shop "opposite
Brattle-Street Church." whence they removed to "two

doors above the British Coffee-House," and, afterwards to
"Cornhill." Edward Cox and Edward Berry, copartners,
were from London; they were dealers in English books,
and traded very largely in jewelery. After the commencement
of the war, they removed to New York.

1767. Joseph Snelling, "Fish-Street, Corner of Boarded-Alley."
He was a binder, and sold school books and
stationery.

1767. John Edwards, "Cornhill," was the son of Joseph
Edwards, and had a concern in the business with his father
a few years. He died March 9, 1778, aged 25.

1768. James Foster Condy, "Union-Street," was the
son of Jeremy Condy, whom he succeeded, and kept a
good supply of English editions, &c. for sale. During the
war he removed to Haverhill, where he kept school; and
died in June, 1809.

1770. John Langdon, "Cornhill," served his apprenticeship
with Wharton and Bowes; he began business with
a good assortment of books; sold stationery, and carried
on binding. He relinquished business after the beginning
of the war.

1771. Henry Knox, "Cornhill," served his apprenticeship
with Wharton and Bowes, binders and booksellers.
He opened a large store with a valuable collection of books,
&c. The war changed him from a bookseller to a soldier.
He joined the army, and continued in it during the war;
and, on account of his good conduct, and superior military
talents, was promoted by Congress to the rank of major
general. He was also made secretary at war before and
after the adoption of the present constitution. He died at
Thomastown, in the district of Maine, October 25, 1806.

1771. A. Ellison, "Newbury-Street," was born in England,
and brought up to binding; which business he followed
in Boston, and sold a few books in common use.

After living in Boston three or four years, he removed to
Newport.

The chief of the printing done in Cambridge and Boston,
previously to the year 1750, was for booksellers; printers
did but little on their own account. Even the laws, acts,
&c., of the government were printed for booksellers. The
books printed during a century, in New England, were
nearly all on religion, politics, or for the use of schools.

The booksellers of Boston, in 1724, had a meeting for
the purpose of augmenting the prices of sundry books; an
addition to the prices was agreed on; but, I believe not
generally adopted.

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts.

1641. Henry Dunster, the first president of Harvard
college, sold such books as were sent from England by
Joseph Glover.

1650. Samuel Green, the second printer at Cambridge,
sold school books, versions of the Psalms, and some other
religious works, principally such as were printed at his
press.

CHARLESTOWN, Massachusetts.

1715. Eleazar Phillips, removed from Boston to that
place. He was a dealer in books, which were printed in
New England.

NEWBURYPORT.

1760. Bulkeley Emerson, was a binder, and sold a few
books. He was the only one of the trade who did business
in that place before 1775. The office of post master
was held by him many years.

SALEM.

1686. John Dunton, opened a store, and sold a quantity
of books which he brought from London. He returned to
England.

1761. Mascol Williams, was a binder, and traded principally
in school books, and stationery. He was postmaster.

These are all the booksellers who lived in Massachusetts
previous to the war, or at least they are all concerning whom
I have been able to make any discoveries.

PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire.

1716. Eleazar Russell, sold books, principally such as
were used in schools.

The laws of New Hampshire were printed in Boston,
anno 1716, "for Eleazar Russell at his shop in Portsmouth."
He died in May, 1764, aged seventy-three years.

1757. Daniel Fowle, kept a very small stock of books
for sale, but never paid much attention to bookselling.

Before the revolution there was not a bookstore of any
note in New Hampshire.

1770. William Appleton, served his apprenticeship in
Boston, and sold books in common use. He died a few
years after he settled in Portsmouth.

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut.

1743. J. Pomeroy, bookseller, and postmaster.

1749. Samuel Cook, imported and sold some English
books, but did not continue long in business.

1756. James Parker & Co., printers, dealt, in a small
way, in books and stationery.

1759. John Hotchkiss, sold merchandise of various
kinds; and dealt somewhat largely in books, supplies of
which he received from New York.

1763. Benedict Arnold. well known afterwards as a
major general in the American army, and as deserting the
cause of his country, combined the bookselling business
with that of a druggist, and was in the trade from 1763
to about 1767; he imported books from England.

1768. James Lockwood, dealt largely in books until about
the year 1775.

1768. Isaac Beers. A respectable bookseller. He died
in August, 1813.

HARTFORD.

1726. Solomon Smith, was a bookseller and druggist
from 1763 to about 1775.

NEWPORT, Rhode Island.

1760. C. Campbell, bookseller and postmaster.

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island.

1762. Andrew Oliphant, a Scotchman of good education.
He was an acquaintance of the poet Thomson,
author of The Seasons. He resided but a few years in
Providence and then removed to South Carolina.

NEW YORK.

1743. Catharine Zenger, sold pamphlets and some articles
of stationery.

1747. Robert Crommelin, "near the Meal-Market;" he
was from Scotland, and became a dealer in books, and in
English and Scotch goods.

Hugh Gaine, "at the Bible and Crown in Hanover-Square."
He was from Ireland, where he had been brought
up a printer. He came to New York about 1745, and
worked as a journeyman about six years in Parker's printing
house; first, at 9s. currency (one dollar and an eighth)
per week, and found himself; and afterwards he had a

small allowance for board. His economy was such that
from these wages he contrived to lay up money; having
accumulated the sum of seventy-five pounds, he found a
friend who imported for him a press and a few types, the
cost of which exceeded the sum he had saved about one
hundred dollars. With these materials he opened a printing
house, and by persevering industry and economy was
soon enabled to discharge the debt he had contracted for
his press and types, and to open a book store. Eventually
he acquired a large fortune.

1761. Garrat Noel, "near the Meal Market," afterwards
"next door to the Merchant's Coffee-House." He
was a publisher, and dealt largely, for a bookseller of that
time, in imported books and stationery. After he had
been in business a number of years, Ebenezer Hazard became
his partner, under the firm of Noel & Hazard.

1761. Rivington & Brown, "Hanover-Square." After
a lapse of several years this partnership was dissolved, and
the business was continued by

James Rivington, who dealt largely in books and stationery.
He commenced printing in 1773.

1765. John Holt, "Broad-Street, near the Exchange;"
his principal business was printing, but he sold books several
years.

1768. Nicholas Bogart, "near Oswego-Market," sold
Dutch books, and published a Dutch version of the Psalms,
&c.

1759. Robert MacAlpine, "book-binder, in Beaver
Street;" he also sold books.

1772. Noel & Hazard. Garrat Noel entered into partnership
with Ebenezer Hazard; they dealt largely in books
and stationery.

1773. Samuel Loudon, "at his shop on Hunter's-Quay,"
was not brought up to bookselling; but about this time he
commenced the business, and afterwards that of printing.

1774. Valentine Nutter, "opposite the Coffee-House
Bridge," bookbinder and bookseller.

PHILADELPHIA.

1692. William Bradford, sold pamphlets and other
small articles.

1718. Andrew Bradford, "sign of the Bible, in Second-Street."
He was also a printer and binder.

1718. John Copson, bookseller, but dealt chiefly in other
goods; he was concerned with Andrew Bradford in the
first newspaper which was published in Pennsylvania.

1729. Benjamin Franklin, "in Market-Street." He
likewise was a printer and binder.

1741. Alexander Annard, "in Second Street, near the
Church."

1742. William Bradford, the younger, "in Second-Street."

1742. John Barkley "at the Sign of the Bible in Second-Street;
from Great Britain."

1742. James Reed, "next door to the Post-Office, in
Market-Street."

1742. Joseph Goodwin, "in Second-Street, near Black-Horse
Alley." He afterwards, removed into Blackhorse
alley. Goodwin was from England, and was a bookseller,
binder, and stationer. It appears that he was a considerable
dealer.

1743. Stephen Potts. "at the Bible and Crown, in
Front-Street"

1743. J. Schuppey, "at the Sign of the Book in Strawberry-Alley;"
he was a binder, and sold a few books. It
is probable that he was a German.

1743. Cornelia Bradford, "in Second-Street."

1748. David Hall, "in Market-Street." He was a
printer, and the partner of Franklin; he dealt largely in
books and stationery.

1755. Henry Sandy, "Lætitia-Court."

1757. William Dunlap, "in Market-Street" Dunlap
was bred to printing, which business he followed, but dealt
somewhat extensively as a bookseller. About 1767 he removed
to Virginia, and settled there as a minister of the
church of England.

1758. Black Harry, "in Lætitia-Court," was a binder,
and sold small books, &c.

1759. Andrew Steuart, "Lætitia-Court;" but removed
in 1762, to "the Bible-in-Heart, in Second-Street." He
was a printer and a dealer in pamphlets.

1760. James Rivington, "in Second-Street," by his agent
who became his partner the following year.

1761. Rivington & Brown, "in Second-Street," but they
some time after took another stand. They were both from
England. Rivington soon after opened bookstores in New
York and Boston; and resided at New York.

1763. Zachariah Poulson, "Sign of the Bible in Second-Street
between Arch and Race Streets." He was a bookbinder,
bookseller and stationer. This Mr. Poulson who
was the father of the proprietor of the American Daily
Advertiser, was a native of Copenhagen; he arrived in
Philadelphia in 1749, when he was at the age of twelve
years. Soon after he became an apprentice to the first
Christopher Sower, of Germantown, of whom he learned
printing. He was an excellent workman and a very respectable
citizen. In, the latter part of his life he kept a
stationer's shop in Second Street, above Arch street. He
died January 14, 1804, aged 67, and was buried in the
Moravian cemetery, Philadelphia.

1764. William Sellers, "in Arch-Street, between Second
and Third Streets;" he was a printer and bookseller,
from England, and became the partner of David Hall.

1764. Samuel Taylor, "at the Book-in-hand, corner of

Market and Water streets." He carried on bookbinding
and bookselling.

1765. Woodhouse & Dean. This connection lasted less
than a year. Dean died, and Woodhouse continued business
on his own account.

1766. John Dunlap, "in Market-Street," succeeded to
the printing and bookselling business of William Dunlap.

1766. Robert Bell, "at the Union-Library, in Third
Street," in 1770. He was from Ireland; became a printer
and was celebrated as a book auctioneer.

1766. William Woodhouse, in Front-Street, near Chesnut-Street;"
afterwards "near Market street, at the Bible
and Crown." He was a binder and bookseller. He began
business with Dean. He established in 1782, a slate
and slate pencil manufactory, then the only one in the
United States. In 1791, he began printing. He died December
28, 1795, and was succeeded by his son of the
same name.

1767. Lewis Nicola, "in Second street, removed in
1768, to Market Street. He published a magazine, kept a
circulating library, and sold books.

1768.—Taggert, was a very considerable vender of
imported books. He also dealt in English and Scotch
goods.

1768. John Sparhawk, "at the London bookstore, Market-Street;"
afterwards. "at the Unicorn and Mortar, in
Second-Street." He published several books. His widow
continued the business.

1768. John Anderton, "at the London bookstore, in
Second-Street," He was from England; and, was a binder,
letter case and pocketbook maker, and, as such, first began
business in New York. He sometimes advertised books for
sale in his own name, and at other times as connected with
Sparhawk.

1768. Roger Bowman, merchant, sold books on consignment
from Great Britain.

1768. Roger Bowman, "in Second-Street near the Market."
He had a good assortment of books for sale.

1769. Robert Aitken, commenced bookselling in Front
street; he was from Scotland, to which country he returned
in 1770; but in 1771, came back to Philadelphia; and in
1795, removed to, and opened a bookstore and printing
house "in Market Street," near Front street. He was an
excellent binder.

1770. Crukshank and Collins, "in Third Street," were
a short time partners as printers and booksellers. Afterwards

Joseph Crukshank, opened his printing house and a
bookstore in Market street.

1770. James Steuart, "in Second-Street, between Chesnut
and Walnut streets," from Glasgow, shopkeeper, sold
Scotch editions on commission.

1770. Semple and Buchanan, "in Front-Street;" shopkeepers,
from Scotland, sold Scotch editions on commission.
Semple afterwards sold books and British goods.

1771. Robert MacGill, "Corner of Lætitia Court,"
binder and bookseller. He removed to Second street, below
Market street. He left Philadelphia in 1778, and went
to New York.

1771. John MacGibbons, "in Front-Street, between
Arch and Race Streets." Not largely in trade. He republished
Josephus's works in four volumes, octavo.

1771. Samuel Dellap, "in Front-Street, between Market
and Arch-Streets;" he kept a book and print shop. At
one time he resided at the corner of Third and Chestnut
streets. He often sold books at auction.

1773. William Trichet, an Englishman, bound and sold
books, at No. 5 South Front street. He was in business
about eight years.

1773. James Young, "at his Book-Store, adjoining the
London Coffee-House." He was in business about twelve
months.

1773. Thomas Macgee, jun. "Second Street, nearly opposite
Christ Church."

1773. George Reinhold, "in Market-Street." He was
from Germany, and traded in Dutch books. He was also
a binder.

GERMANTOWN, Pennsylvania.

1735. Christopher Sower, from Germany, printed and
sold books in the German language.

1744. Christopher Sower, jun., succeeded to the business
of his father.

LANCASTER, Pennsylvania.

1754. William Dunlap, printer and bookseller. He
removed to Philadelphia in 1757.

1767. Charles Johnson, "in King-Street."

WILMINGTON, Delaware.

1761. James Adams, printer and bookseller.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland.

1774. William Aikman.

CHARLESTON, South Carolina.

1758. Robert Wells, "at the Great Stationery and
Book-Store, on the Bay." He was from Scotland, dealt
largely in imported books, and printed a newspaper.

1764.—Woods, binder and bookseller from Scotland.

1771. James Taylor, binder, and an inconsiderable
dealer in books; he also was from Scotland.

SAVANNAH, Georgia.

1763. James Johnston, who was from Scotland, printed
a newspaper, and sold books.

Mr. Brinley, of Hartford, Conn., whose unequalled collection
of early American publications, and critical knowledge
of them, are well known, kindly furnishes the following
memoranda, made by him in his copy of Mr.
Thomas's work:

"Job Howe, was a Bookseller, not mentioned by Thomas.
Example—Neglect of Supporting and Maintaining the Pure
Worship of God, *  *  * or The Cause of New
England's Scarcity, and Right Way to its Plenty. A Fast
Sermon at Roxbury July 26th, 1687 by James Allen, Teacher
to the first Gathered Church in Boston. 4to. Boston Printed
for Job How and John Allen, and are to be sold at Mr. Samuel
Green's, by the South Meeting House, 1687. Title, preface
1 leaf, & pp. 1–16.

How is not mentioned, and the earliest seen of John Allen
is in 1690.

The above sermon seems to be rare, as it is not in the
library of the Antiquarian Society, that of the Massachusetts
Historical Society, or the Prince Library. It was
'preached on a Solemn Fast Day occasioned by the afflictive
Providence of God in sending Worms and Catapillars,
which in some places, as God's great army, marched in numerous
Companies, and devoured all before them, both
Corn and Grass,' &c., &c. Preface.

Hezekiah Usher, Bookseller. Thomas 1652. Was in
business as early as 1650. Example. The Mystery of God
Incarnate, &c., &c., by Samuel Eaton. Printed for H. Usher
at Boston in New England 1650.

John Usher, Bookseller. Thomas 1672. Should be
1669. Example—God's Call to His People to Turn to Him,
in 11 Sermons at two Publick Fasting Dayes by John Davenport.
4to. Cambridge printed by S. G. and M. J. for John
Usher of Boston MDCLXIX.

John Ratcliffe, Bookseller. A good example of his
publications is a very rare book of which I do not trace
any copy: A Poem, Dedicated to the Memory of the Reverend
and Excellent Urian Oakes, late Pastor to Christ's Flock, and
Praesident of Harvard College in Cambridge; &c., &c., &c.
4to. Boston in New England. Printed for John Ratcliff, 1682.
Title, To the reader, 2 pages, pp. 1–16. (By Cotton Mather,)
a juvenile production, and not in any list of his
publications.

Benjamin Harris, Bookseller. Thomas 1690. He printed
in 1689 Massachusetts Charter. N. B.: This is the first
document in Hutchinson's volume of "Original Papers,"
and of which he says in a foot note that it never had been
printed.

Obadiah Gill, Bookseller. Thomas 1690. Should be
1685. Example—An Elegy on the Much-to-be-deplored Death
of that Never-to-be-forgotten Person, the Reverend Mr. Nathaniel
Collins, who after he had been many years a faithful Pastor to
the Church at Middletown of Connecticut in New England, about
the Forty-third year of his Age expired on 28th 10th month,
1684. (Texts &c.) Boston in New England. Printed by Richard
Pierce for Obadiah Gill—Anno Christi 1685.—16mo. (Title,
to the reader, 2 pages, pp. 20.) (By Cotton Mather) another
juvenile production, not in any list of his publications.

Among Printers some mention ought to be made of
Gregory Dexter, who joined Roger Williams in Rhode
Island. He had been a printer in London but never had
an opportunity to exercise his craft in this country, but
was in other respects a prominent man in that colony.
He was the printer of the original edition of Roger Williams's
Key into the Language of America. London. Printed

by Gregory Dexter, 1643. He probably printed also The
Bloody Tenent. London, 1644.

Printing in Maryland. Thomas says, first at Annapolis,
by Green, about 1726. Should be 1700. Example.
The Necessity of an Early Religion, being a Sermon Preached
the 5th of May before the Honorable Assembly of Maryland by
Thomas Bray, D. D. Annapolis, Printed by order of the
Assembly by Tho: Reading for Evan Jones, bookseller, anno
Domini 1700. Title, pp. 1–20. Also The Power of the
Gospel in the Conversion, of Sinners, in a Sermon Preach'd at
Annapolis, in Maryland, by George Keith M. A. July the 4th.
Printed and are to be sold by Thomas Reading, at the Sign of
the George. Anno Domini MDCCIII. (pp. 19.)"

We add from the Boston Evening Post of Aug. 14, 1749,
the name of OBADIAH COOKSON, who, in 1749, was "at the
Cross Pistols, in Fish Street, Boston." He sold a few
books, and many other articles.—H.