Procter and Gamble factory in Cincinnati, Ohio   Save
Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: The caption reads: "Granulated soap, Blowing Towers, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio" William Procter, born in England in 1801, was a candle maker. After his store in London was robbed in 1832, he and his wife decided to emigrate to the United States. While traveling on the Ohio Rive, his wife died. William continued on to Cincinnati and after working for a short time in a bank, he decided to manufacture and sell candles. He met and married Olivia Norris, the daughter of a prominent candle maker in Cincinnati, Alexander Norris. James Gamble, born in 1803 in Ireland, immigrated with his family in 1819. They were headed for Illinois, but James became ill and his parents took him ashore in Cincinnati to nurse him back to health By the time James recovered, the family had decided to remain in Cincinnati. At age 18, he apprenticed to a soap maker, and later opened his own soap and candle shop. He met and married Elizabeth Ann Norris, the second daughter of Alexander Norris. When Alexander Norris noticed that his sons-in-law were competing for the same raw materials, he encouraged them to set up a partnership. On October 31, 1837, Proctor and Gamble was formed. The total assets were $7,192.24. Cincinnati proved to be a good base for the company, since the meat packing industry provided plenty of oil and fat for soap and candle making. this allowed them to survive a nationwide panic and depression. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B07F09_007_1
Subjects: Soap factories; Cincinnati (Ohio)
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)