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Born - September 16, 1875 near Hamilton, Mo
Born - September 16, 1875 near Hamilton, Mo
Died - February 12, 1971
Died - February 12, 1971
Early Life
Early Life
James was born to poor farmers and had to work to buy his clothes at the age of 8. He was raised to believe in the "Golden Rule," self-reliance, self-discipline, honor, and education. After he graduated from high school he worked at various stores learning the business.
Missouri Connection
Missouri Connection
Penney was born and raised near Hamilton, Missouri. He graduated from Hamilton High School
Claim to Fame
Claim to Fame
James Cash Penney was the founder of the J.C. Penney Company department stores. During the 1920s, the Penney stores expanded nationwide, with 120 stores in 1920 (mostly in the west) and 1400 stores by 1929. He would lead the country's largest chain of department stores, each one bearing his name.
Later Life
Later Life
In the last decades of his life, Penney was a popular speaker and a respected author. Although Penney was not a college graduate, he received honorary degrees from a variety of colleges and universities, including the University of Missouri and Stephens College, both in Columbia. The company is still one of America's largest retailers.
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