OF JVEW  YORK CITY.                     443
 

CHAPTER XLVIII.

One of the most prominent and most useful of mer¬
cantile occupations was the book business. In former
years, or as late as 1823, the regular book merchant
and stationer were the same. There was no separation
in the business. He pubhshed books and pamphlets,
sold them wholesale and retail, and also kept a complete
stationery store, and manufactured Immense ledgers,
journals, day-books, and other account books, for the
great merchants, as well as selling goose quills of every
variety. Inks, inkstands and wafers.

The two largest men in the business were Peter A.
Mesler and Phomas A. Ronalds. The latter kept his
store many years at No. 188 Pearl street, and after¬
ward at No. 203. The former building was owned by
Peter Lorillard, and the latter by Mr. Ronalds. The
relation of landlord and tenant led to the nearer one of
father and son-in-law, and Mr. Ronalds married Miss
Maria Lorillard.

The respective firms published many books during
many years previous to 1823.

Thomas A. Ronalds was a sen of James Ronalds,
wdio was a carpenter during the Revolution. He lived
at 107 Queen street (Pearl), and for many years after-