John Lewis

John Lewis (24 February 1836 – 8 June 1928) was an English businessman and county councillor, known for being the founder of the John Lewis department store on Oxford Street, London and the national John Lewis & Partners chain of department stores.

Early life John Lewis was born in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, and became an orphan at the age of seven. He was brought up by an aunt, Miss Ann Speed.

Further purchases It is said that in 1905 John Lewis walked from Oxford Street to Sloane Square with twenty £1000 notes in his pocket and bought Peter Jones. His management style led to conflict with his sons who disagreed with his business methods.

Personal life In 1884 John Lewis married Eliza Baker, a schoolmistress from a family of West Country drapers and alumna of Girton College, Cambridge (1873–1877). They had two children, John Spedan, born 1885, and Oswald, born 1887. John Lewis remained in full control of his Oxford Street store until his death. He died at his Hampstead home "Spedan Towers" in 1928 at the age of 92.