The name J. C. Penney is almost a household name in America. This name may be seen on large department stores almost in every nook and corner of the country. James Cash Penney, known as Jimmy, was born in 1875 on his father's farm near Hamilton, Missouri. As a boy he grew up in Hamilton but spent much of his time working with his brothers and sisters on this busy farm a few miles away.

Jimmy's parents were hard-working individuals, who tried to bring up their children to be honest and self-reliant. His father, besides being a farmer and stock grower, was a Baptist minister in a country church. Under his vigorous direction, religion became a vital part of the family life. Jimmy and the other children were taught to treat people fairly as they wanted to be treated themselves.

At home, Jimmy milked the family cow, churned the butter and did many other family chores. When he was eight years old, his father informed him he would have to earn money to buy his own clothes. Mr. Penney believed that his children should learn to think for themselves. He felt that earning money to buy his own clothes would be a good way for Jimmy to start.

Jimmy found many ways to earn money, from picking up nails in a blacksmith shop to raising pigs in the back yard and growing watermelons on his father's farm. All the while he saved his money and invested it wisely. Both his father and mother were very proud of his business ability.

After Jimmy graduated from high school, his father, realizing his interest in business, obtained a position for him in a local dry goods store. Within months his father died, but Jimmy already was off to a good start. Then suddenly Jimmy had to resign and go to Colorado for his health.

In Colorado young J. C. Penney worked at several stores. Before long he had an opportunity to manage and become partner in a dry goods store, the Golden Rule Store, in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Later he bought out his partners and built up a chain of Golden Rule Stores, which he subsequently changed into the J. C. Penney Company.

In later years, Mr. Penney devoted most of his time to experimenting with fine livestock and carrying on philanthropic activities. This exciting story has been written by Wilma J. Hudson, prominent teacher-librarian and author of another volume in the the Childhood of Famous American Series. 

From the dust jacket