R. G. Berford (Berford and Co.) Philadelphia

Richard G. Berford began his career in Pittsburgh. In May 1841 he founded the weekly Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle which succeeded the Morning Chronicle. The newspaper became a daily venture when new editors, J. Heron Foster and W. H. Whitney, took over on September 8, 1841.

In November, 1841 Berford established the Iron City and Pittsburgh Weekly Chronicle. Later this newspaper was named the Iron City, and Pittsburgh Saturday Morning Chronicle.

Berford also worked as an agent for the New World. In July, 1843 he purchased the periodical office of Godey and Co. and moved to Philadelphia.

By late 1843 Berford was publishing books on his own imprint, R. G. Berford. His address on these early books was Publishers' Hall, 101 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

Not much is known about his publishing career. By 1847, he had obviously incorporated as the imprint was Berford and Co. with a new address at 2 Astor House. (R. G. Berford and Company has been seen on some 1848 books) It is unclear when he moved and when he incorporated.

This firm published a number of Timothy Shay Arthur titles four of which were first editions. All the Berford editions were published in 1843 and 1844.

First editions:
The Seamstress 1843 8 vo. 48 pages (12.5 cents) (First edition published anonymously)

Stolen Wife: An American Romance 1843 8 vo. 32 pages (12.5 Cents) It appears that the first edition was published anonymously—“by the author of The Tailor’s Apprentice"

Pride or Principle 1844 12 mo 71 pages. This book is part of Berford's Library of Domestic Romances, #2. This is a first edition.

Family Pride; or, The Palace and the Poor House 1844 (copyright 1843) 71 pages This book is Volume #1 in Berford's Library of American Romance. Nothing else is known about this series.

(Pictures courtesy of the Huntington Library)

Berford published a number of Arthur's books as reprint editions.

Fanny Dale: or, The First Year After Marriage 1843 8 vo. 30 pages. (The 1843 Burgess & Zieber publication is the first edition.)

Bell Martin 1844 (octavo form but not the first edition). Probably 2nd edition.

In 1844 Berford published "Berford's Cheap Edition" Arthur's Tales

Bell Martin; or, The Heiress
Fanny Dale; or, The First Year after Marriage
Six Nights with the Washingtonians
Two Merchants; or, Solvent and Insolvent
How to be a Gentleman
Village Doctor
Making a Sensation
Ruined Family
Swearing Off
Insubordination; or, The Shoemaker's Daughters

(Pictures courtesy of the Huntington Library)

Berford quit publishing and moved on May 8, 1849 to San Francisco where he founded Berford and Co.'s Letter and Package Service in the fall of that year. It operated between the U.S. coasts, and had offices in San Francisco, Sacramento City, San Jose and Stockton before closing in 1855. His was one of many company's that transported the mail throughout America and other countries.