In 1874 Josiah Percival Stevens (1852-1929) established the J.P. Stevens Engraving Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Stevens moved to Atlanta in 1871, married Jeannie Alexander (1855-1950) in 1879, and worked as a jeweler, watchmaker, and engraver for the jeweler George Sharpe. He invented a steel die-embossing press in 1896, the first automatic press in 1898, and the first engraving machine for copper plates in 1904. By using these machines at the J.P. Stevens Engraving Company, he improved the printing process. The company became popular locally at its 43 Whitehall Street location. In 1973, the S.C. Toof Company purchased the J.P. Stevens Engraving Company from the Stevens family, and within the next five years transitioned to commercial engraving. In 1979, the company was sold to William T. Bradshaw and his son, Tom Bradshaw, who opened an additional storefront at 56 East Andrews Drive, in addition to the existing location at the company’s production facilities at 1824 Briarwood Industrial Court. The company was again sold in 1997 to Stuart F. Cooper Co. but later went out of business.