Sarony, Major & Knapp

Napoleon Sarony (Quebec, 1821 - New York, 1896): Born of English parents in Quebec City, Napoleon Sarony learned lithography from his father and emigrated to New York in 1836. There, he worked as an apprentice for several lithographers, including Nathaniel Currier. Sarony then opened a lithographic business in partnership with Henry B. Major. The company went through a number of confusing overlapping alterations in names and partnerships. It was called 'Sarony and Major' (c. 1846 - 1857. Then Sarony's company bore the title, 'Sarony & Company' (c. 1853-1857). During the mid 1850's, Joseph Fairchild Knapp (1832-1891), entered the firm and the name of the company was expanded to 'Sarony, Major & Knapp' (c 1855 - c. 1864), and during this period produced works of art such as this original lithograph. After Sarony left the firm around 1864, the company took on the name of, Major & Knapp around 1864, and by 1888 it became known as The Knapp Company. Around 1890, Joseph Palmer Knapp (1864-1951), purchased the company from his father and shortly after renamed it, the 'Joseph P. Knapp Co.'. Later, the company would assume the title of the 'American Lithographic Company' and from 1892 to 1929, it became one of the largest lithographic firms in North America.