They introduced L&M Chewing Tobacco in 1876 and by 1882 they entered the cigarette business. John Liggett passed away in 1897 and the company was acquired by the American Tobacco in 1899. They introduced L&M Chewing Tobacco in 1876 and by 1882 they entered the cigarette business. John Liggett passed away in 1897 and the company was acquired by the American Tobacco in 1899. With the disbanding on the American Tobacco in 1911 the Liggett and Myers Tobacco company was reborn. Chesterfield, a L&M brand, was the first cigarette to be offered in more than one size.