U.S.A., Seed Merchants, George Tait & Sons, Image & Found by Daniel Parker.
Found on February 20th 2022 in the City of Suffolk, Virginia previously known as Nansemond County, Virginia, U.S.A., 19mm.
Ribbon bearing THORO(U)GHBRED SEEDS, (G)EORGE TA(TE) & SONS curved down (NORFOL)K V(A) // blank
From the finder, "The company started in 1869 and went until about 1985."
"1853 - George Tait emigrated from Scotland with his brother and establish themselves as merchants. When the war between the states breaks out, George accepts a commission and fights in the Confederate Army mustering out as a Colonel.
1869 - The company's starting date was deduced from the cover of their 1929 catalog stating that it was their 60th year. George was originally from Haddington, Scotland, a region that was involved in the seed trade. With his old business destroyed by the ravages of war, he saw a future in seeds and established his business as "Geo. Tait, Seedsman."
1885 - Eldest son, James and youngest son, William join the company and the named is changed to Geo. Tait & Sons to reflect the new structure. By the late 1880's, William takes over as president.
1895 - Middle son, Robert joins the family business.
1898 - George Tait passes away.
1912 - William and Robert retire from the company, selling their interests to brother James and two other employees, James T. Moreland and David B. Blackwood.
1969 - Released a cowpea variety, developed by the Virginia Truck Experimental Station, called 'Queen Anne.'
1972 - Released a cowpea variety, developed by the Virginia Truck Experimental Station, called 'Cardinal.'
1985 - The company is purchased by Wetsel Seed Company. By this time, Tait's had technically been in business for 116 years and was the primary distributor of lawn and garden products in the Norfolk area."
