THE EPHEMERA OF BUSINESS

I bought this billhead a few months ago. I was drawn to the decorative nature of the billhead. It is from 1835 for the firm Neligh, Bull & Co. coal dealers and sole proprietors of the Mammoth vein of Philadelphia PA. The left side has a graphic of Lady Justice and was printed by B. Tanner's Stereograph.  John Wharton bought coal from the Primrose Mine.

Robert P. Studley was born in New Hampshire but moved to St. Louis and began a printing business in the City around 1855 with partner Thomas Usick. The firm operated as Usick, Studley & Co. By 1864 the firm was simply known as R.P. Studley & Co. However, through outside speculations by a partner the firm failed in 1875, but with the aid of his brother and friends he began again. Studley was the first to introduce lithographic presses to St. Louis. Studley also has a type face named after him.