April 06

Born in 1801 in New Haven, Connecticut, Raymond moved to Chicago in 1835 and established a successful mercantile business. He was elected the third mayor of Chicago in 1839 and again in 1842, guiding the young city through periods of rapid growth. Raymond championed the construction of roads, bridges, and a municipal water system to support expanding urban needs. He also supported initiatives to improve public education and civic institutions. After leaving office, he remained active in business and local politics, helping to shape Chicago's commercial landscape. He died in 1883, remembered as a pioneering leader who laid the groundwork for the city's transformation into a major metropolis.

Born in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1895, Fysh served as a pilot in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I. After the war, he teamed with Paul McGinness and Fergus McMaster to establish Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services in 1920, later renamed Qantas. As managing director, he oversaw the airline's expansion into passenger, mail, and freight routes across Australia and into Asia. Fysh championed the development of safer aircraft and navigational techniques for long-distance flights over harsh terrain. He negotiated government support and international partnerships that made Qantas a leading global carrier. After retiring in 1947, he published memoirs recounting his pioneering experiences and continued advising the airline. He died in 1974, remembered as a driving force behind Australian civil aviation.