Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
V. J. WILLIAMS AND COMPANY
V. J. WILLIAMS AND COMPANY. Born in June 1832 in Meigs County, Ohio, V.J. Williams moved to Dubuque twenty years later and worked as a pattern maker for the ROUSE, DEAN AND COMPANY foundry.
In 1858 Williams became a partner in the foundry; two years later, he founded the V.J. Williams Implement Company. After serving in the CIVIL WAR, Williams returned to Dubuque and resumed business in partnership with H.B. Gifford. Williams re-acquired sole interest in 1868 and incorporated the company in February 1884 with a capitalization of $50,000, building a four-story building the next year. Augustin A. COOPER and James BEACH served as president and vice president respectively. Williams served as general manager.
The company sold agricultural implements. Repairs were made and parts furnished for all equipment sold. There were eleven men employed with a trade territory including the northern half of Iowa and southern Minnesota.
By 1887 Williams' company was grossing $250,000 annually. The building eventually served as the DUBUQUE SEED COMPANY warehouse.
See: Virgil J. WILLIAMS
The 1868-69 and 1870-71 Dubuque City Directory listed the east side of Main between Jones and 1st.
The 1873-74 Dubuque City Directory listed 12 and 14 Main.
The 1874-1875 Dubuque City Directory stated that this business was located at 146 Main.
The 1878-79 Dubuque City Directory located the company at 136-140 Main.
The 1873-74 Dubuque City Directory listed Main sw 4 s of First.
The 1880 Dubuque City Directory listed 136-146 Main.
The 1884-85 Dubuque City Directory located the company at 136-140 Main.
The 1886-87 Dubuque City Directory listed the southwest corner of 2nd and Iowa.
The 1890-91 Dubuque City Directory listed 66-72 Main.
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Source:
The Industries of Dubuque: Her Relations as a Trade Center, Dubuque: J. M. Elster and Company, Publishers, 1887, p. 58
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