Founded in Chicago by Daniel Lord and Ambrose Thomas, 1881; Albert Lasker joined the agency, 1898; Mr. Lasker became sole owner of Lord & Thomas, 1912; L&T merged with Thomas Logan Inc. and briefly added Logan to its name, 1926; resumed operations as L&T, 1928; Mr. Lasker relinquished presidency, 1938; Mr. Lasker gave the agency to the heads of its three main offices, 1942; opened as Foote, Cone & Belding, 1943.

Source: AdAge Encyclopedia, Lord & Thomas 

Tied to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Manton, convicted in 1939 for corruption, who was also tied to the American Tobacco Company - client of Lord and Thomas. Source: China Weekly Review, April 1 1939: 120.