William Rennie

William Rennie (1835-1910) was a Canadian farmer who became a successful seed merchant, educator, and writer on agriculture. in 1860. But in 1867 he rented out his farm, moved to Toronto, and opened a seed company that sold both vegetable and floral seeds. Most of his customers purchased their seeds through a colorful mail order catalogue.

Rennie retired in 1889, turning over management of his business to three of his four sons, Robert, John and Thomas Rennie.