Most people believe that the famous “M” on the candy shell stands for Mars Incorporated, the company that produces M&M’s. While Mars was the principal inventor of M&M's, there are two M’s in that name, and that name signifies the work of two men—both with the initial “M”—and who were originally responsible for the production of M&Ms.

Forrest Edward Mars, Sr. was one “M” and the other “M” was Bruce Murrie.

Today is a fitting time to discuss the origins of M&Ms because Forrest Mars was born on this day, March 21, 1904.

Forrest grew up in a candymaker’s house, and immediately had some some big shoes to fill. His father’s home business grew to invent and sell some of the world’s most famous candy bars, including Snickers, Mars Bars, and Milky Way. And Forrest continued and built on that legacy.

Here is the story of M&M candy and it’s controversial founder, Forrest Mars, Sr.

Forrest Mars was born in Wadena, Minnesota, but after his parents' divorce when he was 6 years old, and