The Legend of Webson Gill
In 1848, the California Gold Rush captured the imagination of an entire nation. While thousands set out west in search of gold, Peter Webson and Henry Gill had a different idea, one that would eventually lead to the founding of the Webson-Gill Fine Writing Company.
Peter Webson and Henry Gill grew up together in Buffalo, New York, in the late 1820s. Known around town as “Pete” and “Gilly,” the two were spirited and endlessly curious, often finding themselves in one scrape or another. They’d skip school to spend time at Gilly’s Uncle Joey’s bar, where they learned a few tricks about cards, dice, and the art of reading people. Even back then, they had a knack for turning a penny into a nickel, but they were fair about it, always lending a hand to anyone who needed it.
By the time they reached adulthood in the late 1840s, news of the Gold Rush had swept the country. Like many others, they decided to chase the promise of fortune. But as luck, or perhaps fate, would have it, their train ride west didn’t go quite as planned. Instead of California, they ended up in Cincinnati, Ohio, then one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in America.
Realizing they’d found a place that suited them far more than a gold mine ever could, they decided to stay. Together, they started selling soap and candles under the name The Webson Gill Company, a business that fit right in with Cincinnati’s booming trade at the time.
As their business grew, so did their need to sign invoices, contracts, and letters. That’s when they met Azel Storrs Lyman, an inventor who had developed a new kind of fountain pen that reduced the need for an inkwell. Pete and Gilly immediately saw the potential. They sold their soap and candle business and poured everything they had into building fine writing instruments, starting with the Captain’s Pen and the Presidential Pen, the latter rumored to have been used by the President of the United States himself.
Their success was swift. The two friends found the prosperity they had once sought in the Gold Rush, just in a very different form. After several fruitful years, they decided to step back and explore new ventures, always looking for new ideas and ways to build on what they’d started.
Generations later, their story resurfaced within the family. Inspired by their spirit of creativity and reinvention, Dr. Jeffrey Shepard revived the name in Cincinnati, bringing Webson Gill back to life. While parts of the original story have drifted into legend, the spirit of Webson Gill continues to inspire those who believe in creating something lasting with their own hands.
Dr. Jeffrey Shepard
CEO / Owner
Once you try a webson it is difficult to go back, it's the pen that will ruin other pens for you. We aim to make our forefathers proud with the ongoing design that was inspired through their roots.
Mission Statement
At Webson Gill, our mission is to empower individuals to elevate their writing experience through meticulously crafted fountain pens and premium writing instrument supplies. Rooted in a customer-centric approach, we strive to enrich the lives of pen enthusiasts and writing aficionados by providing products of unparalleled quality and elegance.
Driven by a passion for the art of writing, we aim to inspire creativity, expression, and connection with every stroke of our pens. We are committed to excellence in design, functionality, and craftsmanship, ensuring that each product embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. With a dedication to customer satisfaction, we prioritize transparency, integrity, and personalized service in every interaction. Through continuous innovation and attention to detail, we aspire to exceed expectations and foster lasting relationships
with our valued customers.
At Webson Gill, we believe that the act of writing is a profound expression of individuality and a timeless form of communication. Our mission is not only to provide exceptional writing instruments but also to cultivate a community where passion for writing thrives, inspiring meaningful connections and enduring legacies.
Join us in our journey to rediscover the joy of writing and leave your mark on theworld.
Our Approach
Our approach is different than traditional retailers. Webson Gill was built to deliver exceptional fountain pens at a fair price. By cutting out the middleman, we bypass costs like wholesaling, storefronts and designer licensing fees that have no bearing on quality. And we pass the savings and quality on to you.
Our end goal for clients
For our clients at Webson Gill, our ultimate goal is to enrich their writing experience and elevate their personal expression to new heights. We envision a future where every stroke of the pen becomes a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection.
By providing premium fountain pens and writing instrument supplies, we aim to empower our clients to unleash their full potential and leave a lasting impression with every word they write. Our end goal is to inspire confidence, spark inspiration, and foster a sense of pride in their writing endeavors.
As our clients engage with our products, we envision them finding joy in the art of writing, experiencing moments of clarity and inspiration, and leaving behind a legacy of their thoughts and ideas for generations to come. Ultimately, we strive to be more than just a provider of writing instruments; we aspire to be a catalyst for transformation in the way our clients perceive and engage with the world through the power of writing
Company
Webson Gillis a growing luxuary brand located in Cincinnati, Ohio on the Ohio River that makes high quality writing instruments that are built to last. With an ongoing customer relationship and direct distribution Webson is creating pens that you will never want to put down. The craftsmanship that goes into creating each fountain pen is second to none.