Charles Akerman (b.1812, New Hampshire; d. 14 Apr 1879, Providence, RI) worked as a bookbinder and stationer in Providence, Rhode Island beginning as early as 1850. He hired Thomas B. Rawson (b. 30 Nov 1837, Rhode Island; d. 11 Apr 1921, Providence, RI ) as an apprentice in 1854 starting at $2.00 a week. Rawson was given pay raises and promotions quickly. On September 1, 1864, Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson became partners in the business they called Akerman & Company. That partnership continued until the death of Akerman. Rawson then partnered with George T. Paine and the Rhode Island General Assembly incorporated their business as Akerman Company in 1880.
The collection contains 8 items documenting the business relationship between Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson. The documents include an account book kept by Rawson, financial statements, partnership agreements between the two men, a letter, and a copy of the Act to incorporate Akerman Company by the Rhode Island General Assembly. The only item not related to the business is a handwritten description and history of the Rawson family coat of arms.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
The items are arranged chronologically.
Akerman and Company records, Ms.2014.015 Brown University Library.
This collection was purchased by the Brown University Library in 2008.
Rawson records wages earned while an apprentice at Akerman's. [32] p.; 17 cm. Flexible calf-covered wrappers. Rawson began work as an apprentice on Feb. 6, 1854 at $2.00 per week and rose to become a partner in 1864. Entries mostly in ink, some pencil, in a clear, legible hand.
Establishes a business partnership between the two men as bookbinders. The name of the firm was Akerman and Company, the terms of the partnership was for seven years. 3 p.; 31 cm.
Providence, Rhode Island. 2 p.; 21 cm. To Thomas Rawson from Charles Akerman, who is pleased to continue the partnership and lists generous financial terms. On letterhead of Akerman & Company, 5 Washington Building, Blank Book & Pattern Card Manufactory.
Providence, Rhode Island. 3 p.; 35 cm. Indenture renewing their partnership.
1 leaf; 34 cm. List includes sales, purchases, expenses (salaries, tools, marbling, ruling, gilding, printing), assets and debts.
1 leaf; 36 cm. State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. General Assembly. The General Assembly incorporated the company “. . .for the purpose of manufacturing stationery, paper, and all kinds of stationers’ and bookbinders’ supplies and the general conduct of the printing business…” The document lists Thomas B. Rawson and George T. Paine as the principals in the business.
1 leaf; 35 cm. List of assets and debts.
3 p.; 22 cm. An explanation of the history and description of the Rawson coat of arms. The last paragraph suggests that Rawson intended to print his family crest. With contemporary envelope marked “Coat of Arms.”