HENRY LEIMAN is founder and active head of the largest industry of its kind in the world, the Tampa Box Company, manufacturing literally millions of boxes and other containers for cigar manufacturers. He was born in New York City, May 31, 1857, son of Daniel Leimann and Sophia Müller. His parents were from Röddenau, Hesse, Germany, and emigrated to New York City in 1850.
Mr. Leiman received his education in the public schools of New York City and in 1870, entered the firm of William Wicke Company box manufacturers, in New York.
He came to Tampa in 1894 to open a branch for the William Wicke Company, they being the successors to the Ybor City Box Company. In 1902 the Wicke interest decided to retire from business and Mr. Leiman together with his son-in law, Mr. Roland A. Wilson took over the business and after successfully operating it until 1906 formed a corporation and still retained the name Tampa Box Company. A liberal amount of the stock was distributed as a gift to a number of the most worthy employees. The Tampa Box Company has grown to be in a comparatively short time, the largest concern in the world manufacturing cigar boxes, packing cases and tin cans for cigars. The plant is located in the Ybor City section of Tampa, and covers an area of five acres. The capacity is about 25,000 boxes per day; while the larger part of the product is marketed in Tampa, a considerable portion is shipped to other parts of the United States. In connection with the plant, a saw mill is operated, and cedar is imported from Cuba and Mexico, and towed up the Hillsborough River for storage. The Hillsborough plant occupies six acres. A complete printing shop for printing on paper and on wood is also operated by the Company, making it possible for all the labeling and stamping of the boxes to be done in one plant.
Mr. Leiman gives his entire time and attention to the management of his factory, and it is probably due to his close attention to all branches of the business that such a great success has been achieved. He is proud of the fact that he has employees with turn, who have worked for the Company since it was started thirty-five years ago, and at the present time, about three hundred and fifty persons are employed.
He has taken a prominent part in various affairs of public interest. During the World War, he was active in promoting Liberty Loan drives, and he is a member of the Tampa Board of Trade, the Palma Ceia Golf Club, Rocky Point Golf Club, Rotary International, and the Presbyterian Church. He has the distinction of being a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar, and is a Shriner and an Elk.
Apart from his interest in the Tampa Box Company, he is Director in 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 the 29th day of March, 1880, to Margaret Becker, and has one daughter, Martha (Mrs. Roland A. Wilson) and one son, William J.
Mr. Leiman is a. typical example, of the self-made man. He started in life with nothing, and when he was only a boy he sold newspapers in New York City, and did other odd jobs to aid and support the family until he was old enough to enter real business. His success in Tampa shows what can be done in Florida when a person has the will to succeed, together with the necessary initiative and ability.
SOURCES:
Florida from Indian Trail to Space Age Vol III, 1965
Certificate of Marriage - 29 Mar 1880
Henry Leiman - Death Certificate
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