The Bee-keepers' Journal was first established in Nevada, Ohio, by Homer A. King. Since it was circulated in a newspaper format, Rev. King later created Bee-keepers' Magazine in a magazine-styled format. It was united with the National Agriculturalist in 1868, with its offices moved to New York. and published by H. A. King & Company of New York.
Mrs. Ellen S. Tupper served as an associate editor from its beginnings until she purchased the National Bee Journal.