Thomas Gallaher (April 1840 – 3 May 1928) was the founder of Gallaher Group, one of the largest cigarette manufacturers in the United Kingdom.

Career

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Born at Templemoyle in Derry and apprenticed to the general merchanting firm of Osborne & Allen at the age of 14, Tom Gallaher set up business for himself in 1857 in a single room where he would twist his tobacco and wrap it before delivering it to his customers.[1]

In 1863 he moved to Belfast where he was able to access a larger market for his product.[1] In 1896 he opened a large factory in York Street.[1] He acquired plantations in Kentucky and Virginia to supply the tobacco for his ever expanding business now known as Gallaher Group.[1]

He died in 1928 and is buried in Belfast City Cemetery.[2]

Family

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In 1873 he married Robina Mitchell Bell and together they went on to have one son and five daughters.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Tom Gallaher: Biography at the Ulster-Scots Agency".
  2. ^ "Belfast City Cemetery". Archived from the original on 20 December 2021 – via www.youtube.com.