The Legend of Webson Gill
in 1848, the California Gold rush was one of the most significant events to shape American history in the 19th Century. Because of the Gold Rush, many Americans went west to find gold but Peter Webson and Henry Gill had different intentions that led to what became the Webson-Gill Fine writing company.
Our Story
Peter Webson and Henry Gill were born in the late 1820’s in Buffalo, NY. Although many stories about young Pete and “Gilly”, most people knew the young lads as good intentioned “trouble finders”. Always finding a way to get out of going to school and hanging out in the back room at “Gilly’s” Uncle Joeys bar, they learned at an early age how to make a quick buck playing cards and shooting dice. From a very young age the boys were hustling making nickels out of pennies and although their tactics were sometimes questioned as ethical, they always looked out for those in need and never took advantage of a person that was down and out.
When the boys grew into men in the late 1940’s, they saw an opportunity in the gold rush and moved to California to strike it rich… well at least that was the plan… As they started their journey by train, they easily became confused and ended up in what was then the 6th largest city in the country, Cincinnati, Ohio. After arriving and not realizing how little they liked to travel, the men decided that they would give a shot at selling soap and candles. Something that Cincinnati eventually became world known for.
Soon thereafter they found the need to sign more and more sales slips for their soap and candle company called simply, The Webson Gill Company. This is when the men met a man Named Azel Storrs Lyman who changed their life. Azel created a device that was later to be patented that made improvements on the fountain pen holder and nibs and reduced the need for an ink well. Peter and Gilly knew that this was the device that could change everything and decided to move all their hard earned capital away from the soap and candles business into building the worlds best Fountain Pens focusing on their signature, Captain's Pen and the Presidential Pen, something that apparently was used by the President of the United States.
Upon early success with the Webson Gill Company, both men mysteriously disappeared in 1859 in what some say was a dispute with a major former competitor of theirs that believed that they swindled them years earlier. The brand disappears with them until it was rediscovered by their family and has now been reimagined by a group of investor named Dr. Jeffrey Shepard in Cincinnati, Ohio. A lot of questions remain, a lot of facts are unverified, but the legend of Webson Gill lives on.
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 the
world.
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
A writing device is the link from epiphany to conception.
- Webson
Our Values
At Webson Gill, our values serve as the guiding principles that shape our culture, drive
our decisions, and define our interactions with customers, partners, and each other. We are
committed to upholding the following core values:
1. Excellence: We are dedicated to achieving excellence in everything we do, from the
design and craftsmanship of our products to the service we provide to our customers. We
continually strive to exceed expectations and set new standards of quality and innovation.
2. Customer Centricity: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize
their needs, preferences, and satisfaction, and we strive to deliver exceptional value and
personalized service in every interaction.
3. Integrity: We conduct our business with the highest standards of honesty, ethics, and
transparency. We honor our commitments, uphold our promises, and maintain the trust and
confidence of our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
4. Creativity and Innovation: We embrace creativity, curiosity, and continuous
improvement as essential drivers of our success. We encourage experimentation,
exploration, and the pursuit of new ideas to push the boundaries of design and innovation in
the world of writing instruments.
5. Community and Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration, teamwork,
and inclusivity. We foster a supportive and inclusive community where diverse perspectives
are valued, ideas are shared freely, and collective success is celebrated.
6. Passion for Writing: We are driven by a deep passion for the art of writing and a
profound appreciation for its transformative power. We strive to inspire and empower
individuals to rediscover the joy of writing and to harness its potential for personal
expression, connection, and growth.
7. Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and
promoting sustainability throughout our operations and supply chain. We strive to make
responsible choices that prioritize environmental conservation, ethical sourcing, and long-
term sustainability.
These values are not just words on a page; they are the foundation of who we are as a
company and guide our actions and decisions every day.
Company
Webson Gill is a growing direct to consumer brand 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.