Gavit, John Edmonds

John Edmonds Gavit (1817–1874) was an American engraver and printer notable for his contributions to banknote engraving. Born in New York City, he began his career as an engraver with various firms before establishing his own printing company in Albany, New York, in 1840. His firm, Gavit & Co., specialized in engraving, printing, lithography, and stationery, producing high-quality checks, notes, drafts, and billheads. Gavit's expertise in banknote engraving led him to play a pivotal role in the formation of the American Bank Note Company around 1855, which became a leading entity in producing secure financial documents. He contributed several maps and views for E.B. O’Callaghan’s "The Documentary History of the State of New York" (1849), including newly engraved copies of rare and previously unpublished maps related to the early history of the Province and State of New York.