January 03

Samuel Clarke Pomeroy (1816–1891) was an American entrepreneur and politician instrumental in Kansas's transition from territory to statehood. He co-founded the Lawrence and Emporia Railroad, boosting regional commerce and settlement. Pomeroy served as one of Kansas's first U.S. Senators from 1861 to 1873, advocating for free-state causes during the Civil War era. He supported homestead legislation and internal improvements, believing in economic development and progress. After leaving the Senate, he remained active in business ventures and civic affairs in Kansas and Massachusetts. Pomeroy's blend of business acumen and political leadership left a lasting impact on American frontier development.

Ichizō Kobayashi was a pioneering Japanese businessman who transformed public transportation and entertainment. In 1910, he founded the Hankyu Railway and expanded into department stores, theaters, and professional baseball. His integrated business model linked railways with retail and leisure, shaping modern urban culture. Kobayashi also amassed a significant collection of East Asian art and supported cultural institutions. His initiatives led to the creation of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team and popularized weekend leisure activities. His legacy persists in the enduring success of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings. He died in 1957.

Harry Elkins Widener was an American businessman and heir to a prominent Philadelphia family. An avid collector of rare books, he amassed an impressive personal library before his untimely death aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912. His mother funded the construction of Harvard University's Widener Library in his memory, creating one of the world's great academic libraries. Though Widener never completed a long professional career, his passion for literature and scholarship left an enduring cultural legacy. The library bearing his name stands as a testament to his dedication to learning.

Donald J. Russell joined the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1920s and climbed the corporate ladder to become its president in 1952. Under his leadership, the company modernized its fleet by introducing diesel locomotives and streamlining operations. He championed technological innovation and improvements in freight service that boosted efficiency and profitability. Russell later served as chairman of the board, guiding corporate strategy during a period of industry consolidation. Beyond his railroad career, he was known for civic involvement and support of educational institutions. His tenure helped shape modern transportation infrastructure in the United States.

Born in New York City in 1917, Roger Williams Straus Jr. graduated from Harvard before service in World War II. In 1946, he co-founded Farrar, Straus and Giroux, guiding the house to publish literary luminaries such as J.D. Salinger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Thomas Pynchon. Straus was celebrated for his editorial passion and commitment to authors’ visions. Under his leadership, the imprint became synonymous with literary excellence. He remained active in publishing until his death in 2004.

Otto Beisheim co-founded Metro AG in 1963, pioneering the cash-and-carry wholesale model in Germany. Born in 1924, he overcame humble beginnings to become one of Europe's richest businessmen. Under his leadership, Metro expanded internationally, transforming global retail supply chains. Beyond business, Beisheim established the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, investing in future business leaders. His philanthropic efforts and vision for wholesale commerce reshaped modern retail.

Born in 1929 in San Francisco, Moore earned a Ph.D. in chemistry and physics from Caltech. In 1968, he co-founded Intel with Robert Noyce and served as its chairman and CEO. He coined 'Moore's Law,' predicting the doubling of transistors on integrated circuits approximately every two years. Under his leadership, Intel became the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer. He and his wife founded the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, supporting environmental conservation, science, and healthcare. Moore received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and numerous honors for his industry impact. He passed away in 2023, leaving a legacy of technological innovation.

Born in 1935 in Quebec City, Raymond Garneau began his career in the retail sector before transitioning to public service. He was elected to the National Assembly of Quebec and appointed Minister of Finance, where he oversaw provincial budgets and economic policy. Garneau's leadership helped modernize Quebec's financial institutions and promote investment. After politics, he returned to the private sector in executive roles and contributed to various educational and charitable organizations.

Born in 1950 in Japan, Victoria Principal moved to Texas during her childhood and pursued acting in California. She achieved international fame as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the prime-time soap opera Dallas from 1978 to 1987, earning Golden Globe nominations for her performance. Leveraging her public profile, Principal launched Principal Secret, a successful line of skincare products and beauty treatments. In addition to acting and entrepreneurship, she authored books on health and wellness and engaged in philanthropic work. Her multifaceted career has made her a prominent figure in entertainment and business.

Stewart Hosie is a Scottish National Party politician who has represented Dundee East in the UK House of Commons since 2005. Before his parliamentary career, he worked in the financial services sector and co-founded a management consultancy. Hosie served as SNP Chief Whip and later as deputy leader in the Commons, focusing on economic and constitutional affairs. He has been a vocal advocate for banking reform and Scottish independence, serving on various parliamentary committees and delegations.