August 27

Born near Louisville, Kentucky, Ralston moved to San Francisco in 1850 to capitalize on the Gold Rush. He founded the Bank of California in 1864, which became one of the most powerful financial institutions on the West Coast. Ralston invested heavily in real estate, transportation, and civic projects, including the Eureka Valley Railroad and the construction of the Palace Hotel. His extravagant lifestyle and ambitious ventures reflected the booming economy of post-Gold Rush California. Despite his success, a financial downturn in 1875 led to the collapse of his empire and his mysterious death that same year.

Born in Southampton, Massachusetts, Pomeroy moved to Kansas Territory in 1854 and invested in land and railroad development. A staunch advocate of the Free State movement, he was elected to the U.S. Senate when Kansas achieved statehood in 1861. During his two terms, he championed the construction of a transcontinental railroad and supported legislation to settle new territories. After leaving the Senate in 1873, he continued to work on engineering projects and promoted western settlement. Pomeroy's blend of political leadership and business ventures helped shape the early growth of Kansas.

Born in 1846, Francis Marion Smith earned the nickname 'Borax King' for his pioneering work in borax mining. He founded the Pacific Coast Borax Company and developed innovative mining and transportation methods. Under his leadership, the company constructed the famous 20 Mule Team wagons to haul borax from Death Valley. Smith expanded his business interests into railroads, real estate, and tourism across the American West. He played a key role in the economic development of California and Nevada during the late 19th century. Smith's legacy includes significant contributions to mineral extraction technology and regional infrastructure.

Born in 1934 in Liverpool, Brian Epstein took over his father's music store before becoming The Beatles' manager in 1962. His vision and determination helped shape the band's image and secure a record deal with EMI's Parlophone label. Epstein oversaw their marketing, merchandising, and film appearances, transforming them into a cultural phenomenon. He introduced them to key figures such as George Martin and guided their transition from local performers to global icons. Despite his professional success, Epstein struggled with personal challenges including his sexuality and substance abuse. His sudden death in 1967 at the age of 32 cut short a groundbreaking career. Epstein's legacy endures as a testament to the power of creative management in popular music.

Born in 1898 in Manhattan, Bennett Cerf co-founded the publishing house Random House in 1927. Under his leadership, the company became renowned for publishing major authors such as Dr. Seuss, William Faulkner, and James Joyce. Cerf's keen editorial eye and marketing savvy helped shape the mid-20th-century literary landscape. He was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and a popular panelist on the radio and television show 'What's My Line?'. His wit and personality made him a beloved literary figure and media personality. Cerf championed freedom of expression, famously defending controversial works against censorship. He remained active in publishing until his death in 1971, leaving a lasting legacy in American letters.

Leonard Riggio (born 1941) was an American entrepreneur best known for founding the Barnes & Noble bookselling empire. He began building the company in the 1960s and transformed it into the largest retail bookseller in the United States. Under his leadership, Barnes & Noble expanded nationwide with flagship stores becoming cultural hubs. Riggio also invested in educational initiatives and supported literacy programs. He served on boards of various educational and cultural institutions. His innovative retail strategies and commitment to books helped shape modern book retailing.