Thomas S. Handley

1874 - 1926

 Tom S. Handley, who was born in England, for nine years was connected with the Manchester branch of Waring & Gillow, following a five-year apprenticeship in their cabinet shop. In 1902 he came to the United States, and after service with Sloane’s of New York and William A. French of Minneapolis. In 1905 he came to Grand Rapids and the Berkey & Gay Company. Subsequently his name has been identified with several of the best-known lines in western markets—Luce, Charles Paine, Orinoco, Elgin A. Simends, Karpen, and Nelson-Matter. In 1907 he aided in the organization of the Johnson Furniture Company, of which he was president as well as designer; later Johnson-Handley-Johnson was formed and he was made head of both. Prior to joining the Johnson Company he designed for Luce Furniture.