HENRY LEIMAN was the founder and active head of what became the largest industry of its kind in the world—the Tampa Box Company—manufacturing millions of boxes and other containers for cigar manufacturers. He was born in New York City on May 31, 1857, the son of Daniel Leiman and Sophia Müller. His parents were natives of Röddenau, Hesse, Germany, and emigrated to New York City in 1850.
Mr. Leiman was educated in the public schools of New York City. In 1870, he entered the employ of the William Wicke Company, box manufacturers, in New York.
In 1894, he came to Tampa to open a branch of the William Wicke Company, successors to the Ybor City Box Company. In 1902, the Wicke interests retired from the business, and Mr. Leiman, together with his son-in-law, Roland A. Wilson, assumed ownership. After successfully operating the business until 1906, they formed a corporation, retaining the name Tampa Box Company. A substantial portion of the company’s stock was distributed as a gift to a number of its most deserving employees.
Within a comparatively short time, the Tampa Box Company grew to become the largest concern in the world manufacturing cigar boxes, packing cases, and tin cans for cigars. The main plant, located in the Ybor City section of Tampa, covers five acres and has a capacity of approximately 25,000 boxes per day. While the majority of the company’s products are marketed in Tampa, a considerable portion is shipped throughout the United States.
In connection with the main plant, the company operates a sawmill. Cedar is imported from Cuba and Mexico and towed up the Hillsborough River for storage. The Hillsborough River plant occupies six acres. The company also operates a complete printing shop for printing on both paper and wood, enabling all labeling and stamping to be performed within a single plant.
Mr. Leiman devoted his entire time and attention to the management of the factory, and it is largely due to his close supervision of every branch of the business that such remarkable success was achieved. He took particular pride in the fact that several employees had worked for the company continuously since its founding thirty-five years earlier. At the time of writing, the company employed approximately 350 persons.
He took an active and prominent part in public affairs. During the World War, he was instrumental in promoting Liberty Loan drives. He was a member of the Tampa Board of Trade, the Palma Ceia Golf Club, Rocky Point Golf Club, Rotary International, and the Presbyterian Church. He also held the distinction of being a Thirty-second Degree Mason, a Knight Templar, a Shriner, and a member of the Elks.
In addition to his interests in the Tampa Box Company, Mr. Leiman served as a director of the Citizens Bank & Trust Company, the Morris Plan Bank of Tampa, the South Florida Fair Association, and the Victory National Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Leiman was married in New York City on March 29, 1880, to Margaret Becker. They had two children: a daughter, Martha (Mrs. Roland A. Wilson), and a son, William J.
Mr. Leiman was a typical example of the self-made man. He began life with nothing and, as a boy, sold newspapers and performed various odd jobs in New York City to help support his family until he was old enough to enter business. His success in Tampa stands as a testament to what could be accomplished in Florida by those possessing the will to succeed, along with initiative and ability.
