Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BRADSTREET'S MERCANTILE AGENCY: Difference between revisions
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BRADSTREET'S MERCANTILE AGENCY. Dun & Bradstreet traces its history back to July 20, 1841, with the formation of The Mercantile Agency in New York City | BRADSTREET'S MERCANTILE AGENCY. Dun & Bradstreet traces its history back to July 20, 1841, with the formation by Lewis Tappan of The Mercantile Agency in New York City. Recognizing the need for a centralized credit reporting system, Tappan formed the company to create a network of correspondents who would provide reliable, objective credit information to subscribers. | ||
As an advocate for civil rights, Tappan used his abolitionist connections to expand and update the company’s credit information. In spite of accusations for invading personal privacy, by 1844 the Mercantile Agency had over 280 clients. The agency continued to expand allowing offices to open in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. By 1849, Tappan retired, allowing Benjamin Douglass to take over the booming business.[14] | |||
In 1859, Douglass transferred the company over to Robert Graham Dun, who immediately changed the firm’s name to R.G. Dun & Company. Over the next 40 years, Graham Dun continued to expand the business across international boundaries. In 1933, Dun merged with competitor, John M. Bradstreet to form today's Dun & Bradstreet. | In 1859, Douglass transferred the company over to Robert Graham Dun, who immediately changed the firm’s name to R.G. Dun & Company. Over the next 40 years, Graham Dun continued to expand the business across international boundaries. In 1933, Dun merged with competitor, John M. Bradstreet to form today's Dun & Bradstreet. | ||
Revision as of 19:35, 14 July 2024
BRADSTREET'S MERCANTILE AGENCY. Dun & Bradstreet traces its history back to July 20, 1841, with the formation by Lewis Tappan of The Mercantile Agency in New York City. Recognizing the need for a centralized credit reporting system, Tappan formed the company to create a network of correspondents who would provide reliable, objective credit information to subscribers.
As an advocate for civil rights, Tappan used his abolitionist connections to expand and update the company’s credit information. In spite of accusations for invading personal privacy, by 1844 the Mercantile Agency had over 280 clients. The agency continued to expand allowing offices to open in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. By 1849, Tappan retired, allowing Benjamin Douglass to take over the booming business.[14]
In 1859, Douglass transferred the company over to Robert Graham Dun, who immediately changed the firm’s name to R.G. Dun & Company. Over the next 40 years, Graham Dun continued to expand the business across international boundaries. In 1933, Dun merged with competitor, John M. Bradstreet to form today's Dun & Bradstreet.
The 1890-91 Dubuque City Directory listed the corner of 6th and Main.
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Source: Dun & Bradstreet. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dun_%26_Bradstreet