Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WILLIAM LAWTHER COMPANY
WILLIAM LAWTHER COMPANY. In 1887 the candy business of William Lawther was the largest one of
its kind west of Chicago. The goods grossed for the company $100,000 annually and reached throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Dakota and Minnesota. From thirty-five to fifty employees were on staff locally with the weekly payroll averaging $400.
The business was established by J. Roach. Lawther entered the firm in 1882 and assumed entire control three years later. The candy factory occupied the entire four floors and basement of a 44X114 foot building.
Five traveling salesmen represented the house throughout the territory of trade. The Wm. Lawther Company was operated by William LAWTHER, Sr., Clem Sheridan, and William LAWTHER, JR..
Sheridan purchased Lawther's interest in the company in 1921 and established his own candy company, SHERIDAN'S.
The 1886-87 Dubuque City Directory listed the address as 137 to 145 Main.
The 1899-1900 Dubuque City Directory listed 145 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. 78-79
