Historical note
On February 23 1836, George W. Jackson bought the Providence Journal from sole proprietor and founder, John Miller. Jackson sold the paper five years later to Joseph Knowles and William L. Burroughs. After less than a year, Burroughs retired and was succeeded by John W. Vose. On July 1 1840, Henry B. Anthony was named partner creating the publishing firm Knowles, Vose & Anthony. After John W. Vose passed away in 1848, the paper continued to be published by Knowles & Anthony, until long-time editor George Danielson became a partner on January 1, 1863. Knowles, Anthony & Danielson continued to publish the paper until Danielson’s death in March 1884. Knowles had previously passed away in 1874.
In May 1884, the paper incorporated as The Providence Printing Company. Just 4 months later, in September 1884, Anthony died. In April 1885, the name was changed to Providence Journal Company. Richard S. Howland was elected as manager and treasurer of the new publishing entity.
1836 Feb 23
George W. Jackson buys the Providence Journal from sole proprietor and founder, John Miller.
1838 July 1
Jackson sells the paper to Joseph Knowles and William L. Burroughs.
1839 Feb 1
Burroughs retires. John W. Vose joins the publishing firm as a partner, now known as Knowles & Vose.
1840 July 1
Henry B. Anthony is made partner. Firm is renamed Knowles, Vose & Anthony.
1848 Apr 23
Vose retires. Firm is renamed Knowles & Anthony.
1863 Jan 1
George W. Danielson is made partner. Firm is renamed Knowles, Anthony & Danielson.
1874 Dec 21
Knowles dies.
1884 Mar 25
Danielson dies.
1884 May
Incorporates as the Providence Printing Company.
1884 Sept 2
Anthony dies.
1885 Apr
Name changes to Providence Journal Company.
1885 May 27
New officers of the Providence Journal Company are elected under a new charter. Richard S. Howland is selected as treasurer and manager. Henry R. Davis is chosen as secretary and cashier.
Collection information
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department.
Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references.
[item number], [item title], Knowles, Anthony and Danielson Accounting Ledgers, MSS 026, Providence Public Library.
The collection consists of six accounting ledgers of the various iterations of the publishing firm who owned the Providence Journal, spanning the years 1845-1885. Recorded in the ledgers are the financial transactions of the firm including wages and salaries of staff, bank withdrawals and deposits, as well as interest payments from stock investments such as the Block Island Steamboat Company and the New York Central Railroad.
The sixth volume details the transfer and sale of the firm’s assets to the new publishing firm of the Providence Journal.
The collection is arranged in chronological order in one series.
- Accounting Ledgers