Levi Strauss
Blue Jeans
Levi Strauss
Died: September 26, 1902 in San Francisco, California, United States
Nationality: American
Occupation: Industrialist
Family
Hirsch Strauss (Levi’s father) died from a serious lung disease called tuberculosis. After Hirsch Strauss died Jonas and Louis journeyed to America and began their own dry goods business. Levi Strauss began his life in America as a peddler. When he was 19 he moved to Kentucky to sell goods. When he was 24 years old he became an American.
Starting point
When he arrived in San Francisco, he brought canvas, and a type of strong cloth used for making tents. Strauss took the roll of canvas to a tailor. The tailor bragged about how strong the Levi’s were. Strauss began making the pants that bore his name. When he was in San Francisco he lived with his sister and brother-in-law. Strauss and Stern opened their first store. They sold dry good that were sent by Levi’s brother. Levi also traveled to many places in northern California, selling goods to miners. A customer Jacob Davis used metal rivets on the pockets and on the front fly seam to help the pants resist wear and tear. Levi jeans are known as the best pants. Strauss first made the pants by seamstresses in their homes. Later he started his own factory.
Later
As the business grew Strauss and Stern moved to Levi Strauss and Co. The company sold clothing, dry goods, linens, boots, and shoes. The items were imported from Europe. The most popular pants were denim. Levi Strauss and Co. bought real estate. On October 21, 1868 a strong earthquake struck San Francisco. Strauss new headquarters were still standing but not badly damaged. Strauss reputation grew, he became a millionaire because he made tough and rugged jeans. He earned reputation as a businessman and a philanthropist in San Francisco. In 1869, Strauss was a member of the California Immigrants Union. In 1897 Strauss established 28 scholarships at the University of California and donated money to the California School for the Deaf.
Bibliography
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"Levi Strauss." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2000.Biography In Context. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.