George Merriam

Who was George Merriam?

George Merriam was a publisher. With his brother Charles, he founded G. and C. Merriam, which would eventually become Merriam-Webster, Inc.

The Merriam family were printers, book manufacturers, and booksellers in Worcester County in the latter part of the 18th century. George worked on his father's farm in West Brookfield until he was age 15, then entered his uncle's printing office, and on reaching his majority became a partner. In 1831 he moved to Springfield with his brother Charles, and established in 1832 the publishing house of G. and C. Merriam. Their earliest publications were law books, editions of the Bible, and school books. After the death of Noah Webster, the lexicographer, the Merriams purchased the right of future publication of Webster's Dictionary.