History
A.C. Legg Packing Company, Inc. was founded in Birmingham, Alabama
on November 11, 1923 by Mr. Andrew C. Legg and two local businessmen. Mr. Legg had been making and selling his secret recipe pork sausage for a number of years in his market located in downtown Birmingham. He believed he could market his Southern Style sausage seasoning over all of the United States – thus Legg’s Old Plantation Pork Sausage Seasoning was born.
After a few years, Mr. Legg kept his ownership interest in the company but moved to South Georgia to pursue other business interests – at one time attempting to grow Dalmation Sage (one of the key ingredients of his recipe).
In 1936, Charles W. Purvis at the age of 21, was hired as an office employee. Over the next few years as his worth to the company increased, he became General Manager and ran the day to day operations of the company.
In 1948, Charles Purvis was able to purchase his first stock shares of A. C. Legg. Over the years he continued to acquire more stock while continuing managing the company for the owners.
In 1978, the majority owner Mrs. Elizabeth Blanchard, died leaving Mr. Purvis the option to acquire the ownership of A. C. Legg.
Charles Purvis died in October of 1988. His son Jim is CEO/President. His son Charles is Vice President of Sales. Two grandchildren are active in the company.
During his tenure with A. C. Legg, Charles Purvis promoted the company’s associations with numerous colleges and universities meat science programs with donated seasonings and sponsorship help. He encouraged his children and employees to continue their education. His philosophy was “Education is something once attained cannot be taken away.” His business philosophy was also the company’s “Quality, Consistency and Service.”