Procter and Gamble

A Humble Beginning

Neither William Procter nor James Gamble ever intended to settle in Cincinnati. Although the city was a busy center of commerce and industry in the early nineteenth century, William, emigrating from England, and James, arriving from Ireland, were headed farther west.Despite their intentions, however, both men ended their travels when they arrived at the Queen City of the West - William, to care for his ailing wife Martha, who soon died, and James, to seek medical attention for himself. William Procter quickly established himself as a candle maker. James Gamble apprenticed himself to a soap maker. The two might never have met had they not married sisters, Olivia and Elizabeth Norris, whose father convinced his new sons-in-law to become business partners. In 1837, as a result of Alexander Norris' suggestion, a bold new enterprise was born: Procter & Gamble.

Short history of company

1837-1890

The Partnership Years.1837 was a difficult time to start a business. Although Cincinnati was a bustling marketplace, the U.S. was gripped by financial panic. Hundreds of banks were closing across the country. There was widespread concern that the United States was bankrupt. Yet, William and James launched their new enterprise, more concerned about how to compete with the 14 other soap and candle makers in their city than with the financial panic shaking their country.