Thomas Spencer

• Co- Founder of Marks & Spencer, 1894, with Michael Marks of Slonim, Grodno.
• Provided £300 capital for partnership in 1894.
• The partnership converted to a Limited Company, 30,000 shares in £1 ord., in 1903
• Retired in 1905, with £15,000, to follow his dream of becoming a farmer, and died the same year.
• His wife Agnes was a great supporter of Simon Marks, Michael's son, who took charge in 1916, and was heavily involved in the company's charitable works until her death in 1959.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Spencer_(Marks_and_Spencer)