William Procter (candlemaker)

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William Procter (1801-1884) was a U.S.-based English candlemaker and industrialist. He was the co-founder and co-eponym of Procter & Gamble Company in 1837, along with James Gamble.

Born in England and immigrated to Cincinnati in the 1820's, he married Olivia Norris and started his business. At his father-in-law Alexander Norris's suggestion, he joined forces with his brother-in-law, James Gamble, to establish the company that bears their names. His son William Alexander Procter and grandsons William Cooper and Henry Procter served as company presidents.