Encyclopedia Dubuque
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HERANCOURT, Valentine
HERANCOURT, Valentine. (Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 8, 1821--Mar. 17, 1867). Furniture maker. Herancourt, a native of Germany, came to America at the age of sixteen. He settled for a time in Ohio and then traveled to Dubuque in 1845. He established what was believed to be the first furniture manufacturing company in Dubuque.
Herancourt's first shop was located at 90 Main Street. In 1854 in answer to the great demand for his products, he built a factory at 1100 Elm. The paint and finishing departments were added a few years later. The works and yard occupied an entire half-block.
Upon his death in 1867, his wife and children continued the business with a workforce of forty-five men. Their weekly wages totaled $250.00. In 1880 the family sold their interests to a newly formed enterprise, the KEY CITY FURNITURE COMPANY. This company was operated by Herman Mauer, the company president, and others.
See: VALENTINE HERANCOURT-888 YALE
Contributed by William K. Hammel, author of The History of the Dubuque Fire Department--www.dfdhistory.com