William B. Leeds
William B. Leeds | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Template:Birth date Richmond, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | June 23, 1908 (aged 46) Paris, France |
| Known for | Tin Plate King |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2 |
William Bateman Leeds (born September 19, 1861 – died June 23, 1908) was a prominent American industrialist who led the tin plate sector, earning the title "Tin Plate King". He was a key member of the influential group known as the 'big four' or 'tin plate crowd' in the United States, alongside William Henry Moore, Daniel G. Reid, and James Hobart Moore.
Early life
Leeds was born in Richmond, Indiana in 1861 to Noah Smith Leeds and Hannah Star Leeds. After attending local public schools, he initially worked as a florist. In 1883, he wed Jeannette Gaar, who was related to Harry Miller, the general superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Career
Beginning his professional journey in 1883 with an engineering unit, by 1890 Leeds had advanced to division superintendent at the Cincinnati and Richmond Railroad. His first attempt at entering the tin plate market, involving a $250,000 investment with partners, ended unsuccessfully. However, in 1898 he co-established the American Tin Plate Company together with Daniel G. Reid, William H. Moore, and James H. Moore. This enterprise grew to encompass over 200 companies, controlling nearly 90% of the tinplate industry and operating more than 28 mills based in Elwood. The firm benefited significantly from the protective measures of the McKinley Tariff that favored domestic tinplate manufacturers. In 1899, they launched National Steel Corporation with an initial capital stock of roughly $50 million to supply steel essential for tinplate production. Eventually, this company was sold for as much as $40 million to U.S. Steel.
Leeds also played a foundational role in creating National Steel Corporation, American Sheet Steel Company, and American Steel Hoop Company. He assumed the presidency of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1902 but was removed from this position in 1904 following conflicts with other executives. His business ventures extended into several other corporations including National Biscuit Company, Diamond Match Company, Tobacco Products Corporation, and American Can Company. Additionally, he held directorships across various railroads and utility companies such as Audit Co. of New York; Elwood, St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad; Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway; Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad; United States Mortgage and Trust Co.; Anderson and Lapelle Railroad Company; Nassau Gas, Heat and Power Co.; Nassau Light and Power Co.; and Windsor Trust Co.
In tribute to his legacy, a Liberty ship was named after him. A passionate yachtsman and equestrian, Leeds was affiliated with prestigious organizations including the New York Yacht Club, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, Meadow Brook Golf Club, and the Automobile Club of America. The renowned 'Billy Bi' soup served at Maxim's restaurant was reportedly named in his honor.
Pearl necklace
Leeds acquired a pearl necklace for his spouse, priced at $360,000. However, he was charged only the ten percent tariff applicable to pearls rather than the sixty percent duty imposed on pearl necklaces. The United States government initiated legal action, and throughout the court proceedings, the "Leeds pearls" gained renown as the most celebrated jewels in the country.
Personal life
On August 16, 1883, Leeds wed Jeanette Irene Gaar in Wayne, Indiana. She was connected to Harry Miller, who served as superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Their sole offspring, Rudolph Gaar Leeds (died 1964), born on March 15, 1886, went on to become the publisher of two prominent Indiana newspapers: The Richmond Palladium and The Indianapolis Sun.
Leeds entered into a second marriage with Nonie May Stewart-Worthington on August 2, 1900. Nonie had previously been married to George Ely Worthington, a grandson of industrialist George Worthington. Their son, William Bateman Leeds Jr., was born on September 19, 1902, in New York City. He earned recognition as the original "poor little rich boy," a phrase later linked to William Randolph Hearst.
Leeds passed away at age 46 on June 23, 1908, in Paris, France, and was interred in Richmond, Indiana.
Following Leeds's death, Nonie wed Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark, who was the uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon her conversion to the Greek Orthodox Church, she assumed the name “Anastasia” and was granted the title of princess suo jure, becoming known as “Princess Anastasia of Greece and Denmark.”
William Jr. subsequently married Princess Xenia Georgievna of Russia, niece to Prince Christopher. They resided on Long Island, had one daughter together, and divorced in March 1930.
See also
- Princess Anastasia of Greece and Denmark, title assumed by Leeds' second wife after his passing