The Thomas Brass & Iron Co. was incorporated by Richard J. Thomas (1849-1927) in
1879. The company's headquarters were based in Milwaukee, as well as its brass and
iron works factory. In 1894, owing to the need for increased space and better
working facilities, the company’s manufacturing works was moved to Waukegan,
Illinois. Their offices and store remained in Milwaukee, but by 1898 the company had
completely moved to Waukegan. On 26 July 1910 the Waukegan factory was destroyed by
fire. In October 1910 the company announced it would most likely not rebuild the
factory.
