Gilbert & Dean

Gilbert & Dean

Company type	Partnership
Industry	Banking, Publishing
Founded	1802
Founder	Samuel Gilbert, Thomas Dean
Defunct	1823
Headquarters	Boston , United States
Area served	Boston area
Key people	Samuel Gilbert, Thomas Dean
Products	Boston Weekly Magazine, other publications

Gilbert & Dean (1802–1823) was a Boston-centered enterprise specializing in banking and publishing, established by businessmen Samuel Gilbert and Thomas Dean. The firm issued publications from distinguished writers including Joseph Croswell, David Humphreys, Susanna Rowson, John Sylvester John Gardiner, and Benjamin Dearborn, notably producing the Boston Weekly Magazine. Their headquarters were situated on State Street.

History

Samuel Gilbert (1777–circa 1867) and Thomas Dean (1779–1826) formed their business alliance in 1802 after gaining experience under newspaperman Benjamin Russell of the Columbian Centinel. That same year, they commenced the publication of the Boston Weekly Magazine, which was edited by Susanna Rowson, who also provided serialized fictional works. The magazine’s purpose was to shape public taste and social conduct but it discontinued in 1805. Beyond this periodical, Gilbert & Dean issued numerous other titles and managed printing operations from their State Street location, moving from number 56 to number 78 by 1804.

In addition to their publishing activities, Gilbert & Dean functioned as "lottery, stock and exchange brokers," incorporating banking services into their operations. They took an active role in educating the public about financial matters by warning clients about counterfeit money—a significant problem during that era—although their efforts were occasionally ridiculed by counterfeiters such as Stephen Burroughs.

The company made substantial investments in the Exchange Coffee House, a notable seven-story structure built in 1809. After the building was destroyed by fire in 1818, Gilbert & Dean faced considerable financial setbacks but succeeded in recovering through determined leadership and strategic management. By 1823, their office had relocated to Boston’s Old State House.

The partnership ended amicably in 1823. Following this, Gilbert launched a new financial venture with his sons Benjamin R. Gilbert and Samuel Gilbert Jr., while Dean continued his pursuits within the financial sector.

Publications Concerning Gilbert & Dean

• Frank Luther Mott. "Boston Weekly Magazine." A History of American Magazines, Volume I, 1741–1850. Harvard University Press, 1930; pages 247 and following

External resources

• Open Library. Publications associated with Gilbert & Dean