The Werner Company, Akron

Paul E. Werner (1850-1931) was a native of Germany. After immigrating to American 1867 he worked in several bookstores and newspapers. In 1884 he established his namesake book publishing business. Werner bought the Columbian Book Co. of St. Louis in 1894, thus becoming a major publisher of school text books. By the 1890's his printing plant was producing up to 10,000 volumes per day.

In 1900 The Werner Company discontinued the publishing department of its organization. Arthur J. Saalfield had moved to Akron to become the manager of Werner's trade book department. In 1900 Saalfield purchased the department and succeeded Werner with his Saalfield Publishing Company.

Werner continued however to do some publishing. In 1908 he prevailed in litigation with Brittanica regarding trademark infringements but the lawsuit cost forced him into bankruptcy. He died of Bright's disease in 1931.

The Werner Company published a number of libraries for youngsters.