Did Marshall Field cheat?

Marshall Field was an American entrepreneur and the founder of Marshall Field and Company, a famous Chicago-based department store. He is best known for revolutionizing the retail industry with his innovative business practices.

Born on August 18, 1834, in Conway, Massachusetts, Marshall Field grew up in a farming family. He moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at the age of 17, where he worked as an apprentice in a dry goods store, which sparked his interest in retail.

Marshall Field married Nannie Douglas Scott in 1863, and the couple had two children. After Nannie's death, he married Delia Spencer in 1905. Field was known for his philanthropic efforts, including substantial donations to educational and cultural institutions.

Marshall Field began his professional career in Chicago, joining Cooley, Wadsworth & Co. He later founded Marshall Field and Company, which became one of the most influential department stores in the United States. Field revolutionized retail by prioritizing customer service and offering a wide range of high-quality goods.

Marshall Field introduced several innovative practices such as offering a money-back guarantee, fixed prices, and the use of elegant store displays. These contributions significantly transformed the retail shopping experience and set new standards in the industry.

While Marshall Field’s business practices were widely praised, he faced criticism during the Pullman Strike of 1894 for siding with industrialists against workers. This stance led to some negative public perception of his business ethics.