Born June 6, 1867, David T. Abercrombie founded the rugged outfitter Abercrombie Co., which later evolved into Abercrombie & Fitch. A topographer and outdoorsman, he designed premium gear for explorers and surveyors.
Abercrombie clashed with partner Ezra Fitch, who wanted to transform the company into a luxury urban retailer. Abercrombie insisted on staying true to hardcore expedition gear. The rift grew so deep that he sold his share in 1907 and later produced military equipment, serving in an administrative role in the Quartermaster Reserve Corps during World War I.
