J.C. Penney

September 16, 1875 – February 12, 1971

Retail Founder & Philanthropist

The Golden Rule — his store's name and his life's principle

Biography

American businessman who founded the J.C. Penney retail chain, growing it from one small store in Wyoming to over 1,600 locations. Named his first store 'The Golden Rule.'

Faith & Testimony

Penney was a lifelong tither and named his first store after the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12. After losing his fortune in the Great Depression and nearly taking his own life, he rededicated his life to Christ and rebuilt. He said: 'My eyesight is growing dim, but my spiritual vision is clearer than ever.'

Sources

Penney — Wikipedia — Founder of J.C. Penney stores
Fifty Years with the Golden Rule by J.C. Penney — Penney's autobiography describing how his Christian faith and the Golden Rule shaped his business philosophy, and his spiritual renewal after financial ruin in the Great Depression
J.C. Penney: From Ruin to Renewal Through Faith — Billy Graham Evangelistic Association article on Penney's dramatic spiritual crisis and renewal after losing his fortune