Ebiffnezer Tannen was the landlord to a toy shop in London during the 1800's. He threw the toy shop's shopkeeper and his family, as well as Clara in debtor's prison. Ebiffnezer was taught a lesson when Marty dressed up like the Ghost of Christmas. Tannen released everyone from the prison.
After lightening up considerably, he would insist on his friends using the nickname "Eb" when adressing him.