RIAMCO

Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online

For Participating Institutions

Akerman and Company records (MS.2014.015)

Brown University Library

Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Biographical/Historical note

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.