J. A. & U. P. James, Cincinnati
U. P. James, Cincinnati

Uriah Pierson James (1811-1889) was a native of New York state but moved to Cincinnati with his brother Joseph A. in 1831 after an apprenticeship as a shoemaker. Shortly after the move Uriah opened a bookseller and publishing firm. Joseph A. James, who had apprenticed with Harpers in New York City, opened a foundry in 1832. By 1835 the brothers joined forces as J. A. James & Company and over the next couple of years published many songbooks, reprints of classics, etc.

In 1837 the firm dissolved with U. P. James continuing the publishing and bookselling while J. A. James was active in stereotyping, stationery, printing, and publishing. In 1838 Uriah joined Cyrus Cropper to publish schoolbooks. In 1847 U. P. James again partnered with his brother James to establish J. A. and U. P. James. This firm was a publisher printer, stereotyper, bookbinder, and bookseller. The firm was known for its travel books, river travel guides and books related to Mexico. It continued to publish uncopyrighted classics and the like.

This firm dissolved in 1854. Thereafter the outfit was styled U. P. James. In later years Uriah collected shells and fossils and was well known as an expert paleontologist.

Summary of dates and firm names:
1832-1834 J. A. James
1835-1837 J. A. James & Co. (with U. P. James)
1837-1847 J. A. James

1847-1854 J. A. & U. P. James
1847-1853 Walnut Street between Fourth and Fifth
1850-1853 167 Walnut (In the early 1850’s both addresses have been seen on title pages.)

1831-1834 U. P. James
1837-1847 U. P. James
1854-1886 U. P. James

U. P. James addresses
26 Pearl Street 1838-1847
167 Walnut Street 1854-late 1870's.
177 Race Street 1880-1885

See: The Western Book Trade by Walter Sutton 1961 for more information

Although U. P. James publishing output was significant, it did not produce a great number of books for juveniles. Several series have been identified. The James’ firms did co-publish some books for juveniles with Edward Livermore. The latter books are on the Livermore site.