B. F. Ells, Dayton, Ohio
L. F. Claflin & Co., Dayton, Ohio

Benjamin Franklin Ells (1805-1874) first published a book with his own imprint in 1834. During his publishing career Ells’ name appeared on eleven different publishing firms imprints. In 1848 he was associated with his brother G. W. Ells. He last was involved with publishing in 1856. By 1858 he was listed in the real estate and book sections in local directories.

Some of the Ells' publishing imprints: (Known dates are shown.)
B. F. Ells & E. M. Strong (1835)
Ells & McGregor (1844)
Osborne & Ells
Ells, (Moses & David) Marquis & Co. (1856) (binders, book store, printing, stationery)
Burrows & Ells (1856) (Book printers)
B. F. & G. W. Ells (1848)

Levi Fisk Claflin (1805-1890) was born in Massachusetts. He spent a number of years as a teacher after graduating from Phillips Academy. Subsequently he moved to Ohio and began in the paper manufacturing business.

In 1844 Ells joined Claflin in a partnership that would last five years. With the dissolution of their partnership L. F. Claflin & Co. published toy books as well as blank books and paper goods. His firm which included as partners, T. Goodman and N. A. More, also did bookbinding. Claflin remained in the paper manufacturing business in Ohio until the 1880's.

After Ells' book publishing efforts ended he worked in the real estate business. Whether due to poor business decisions or bad luck, he lived his final years in financial distress and left an estate of $4.72 to his heirs.

Ells & Claflin 1844-1845
Ells, Claflin & Co. 1846-1849
L. F. Claflin & Co. 1849-1854 (Paper manufacturers, booksellers, publishers and bookbinders)

No complete list of the toy books has been discovered. It is estimated that the Ells and Claflin companies published about 90 toy books. The lists below are incomplete and in progress.
There are references that state that Ells published toy books priced from one cent to ten cents. Only books priced between one and five cents have been seen.

The only imprints seen as of this time are B.F. Ells, B. F. Ells & G. W. Ells and L. F. Claflin & Co.

The toy books that have been seen are in wraps with simple line drawn non-book specific illustrations.

One Cent Toy Books

Imprints of B. F. Ells and B. F & G. W. Ells have been seen.
B. F. Ells books were published in about 1840. The B. F. & G. W. Ells were published in about 1848.

2" x 3"

Two Cent Toy Books

Two formats for these titles have been noted. One is a "tall format". Which books belong to which format is not totally known as of yet. There are at least two two cent sets with some different numbered titles. 16 page books
Three imprints have been seen for the two cent books B. F. Ells, B. F & G. W. Ells and L. F. Claflin & Co.
Dates are about 1840, about 1848 and 1849-1854 respectively.

Three Cent Toy Books

There are at least two three cent sets with some different numbered titles.
16 page books
Imprints of B. F. Ells and L. F. Claflin & Co. noted
B. F. Ells published these books in the 1840's. Claflin books were published between 1849-1854.

Four Cent Toy Books

Only one book in this series has been noted. Most likely there were twelve titles in total.
B. F. Ells published this series in about 1840.

Five Cent Toy Books

Only one book in this series has been noted. Most likely there were twelve titles in total.
B. F. Ells published this series in about 1840.