William Thomas Grant 1876 – 1972

Biography

Businessman. He founded the W.T. Grant Department Store chain, which at its height included over 1,200 locations. Started in 1906 in Lynn, Massachusetts with a 25 cent ceiling on prices, it grew to a business empire after World War I. After his death, though, the empire collapse in what is to date the largest retail store bankruptcy case. William T. Grant was also an ardent philanthropist, and established the “William T. Grant Foundation”, which still exists today as a philanthropic organization. (bio by: Russ Dodge)  Family links:  Parents:  William T Grant (1852 – 1928)  Amanda L Bird Grant (1854 – 1945)