J.C. Penney was born on September 16, 1875, on a small farm near Hamilton, Missouri. At age eight, his father told him that he had to start buying his own clothing. The boy needed a pair of shoes, but he had only $2.50 from running errands, collecting and selling junk and occasional farm work. He invested in pigs and later sold them at a profit. After high school, Penney held several jobs. In 1898 he went to work for Golden Rule Stores, a group of small dry-goods stores in Colorado and Wyoming. By 1917, Penney had achieved a remarkable level of success, and his J.C. Penney stores grew from a handful of small western stores to one of America’s largest retail chains.
To support youth interest in farming, Penney became a major benefactor of the National 4-H clubs. In 1954, Penney established the James C. Penney Foundation. This family foundation supports organizations addressing issues of community renewal, the environment and world peace. The Penney’ were involved in developing the National 4-H Center, and J.C. Penney Hall remains the centerpiece of the campus. Mrs. Penney designed the stained glass in the chapel, and Mr. Penney is featured in a mural in the main lobby. J.C. Penney Co. has supported 4-H volunteer leader forums for many years and recently expanded their commitment to 4-H through after-school programs and the 4-H centennial.
