Aaron Montgomery Ward ( February 17 , 1844 -- December 7 , 1913 ) was an American entrepreneur based in Chicago who made his fortune through the use of mail order for retail sales of general merchandise to rural customers .
Aaron Montgomery Ward ( February 17 , 1844 -- December 7 , 1913 ) was an American entrepreneur from Chicago . He was known for his use of mail order for retail sales to rural customers .