December 16

Born in 1810, Henry Yesler was a pioneering settler who arrived in the Puget Sound region in 1852. He built Seattle’s first lumber mill along the waterfront, laying the economic foundation for the fledgling town. Yesler opened the city's first public square and established key infrastructure, attracting new residents and businesses. In 1872, he was elected the seventh mayor of Seattle, guiding the city through its early challenges. Beyond politics, he invested in steamboats and real estate, helping Seattle grow into a regional hub. His philanthropic efforts included support for schools and churches, reflecting his commitment to community development. Yesler’s legacy lives on in Seattle’s central thoroughfare, Yesler Way, named in his honor.

Born in 1832 in Moscow, Pavel Tretyakov inherited his father’s successful textile business and expanded into railroads. With his wealth, he became an avid collector, acquiring paintings by leading Russian artists such as Repin and Shishkin. In 1856, Tretyakov vowed to assemble a comprehensive gallery of national art, purchasing over two thousand works. In 1892, he donated his private collection and a custom-built building to the city, creating the Tretyakov Gallery. His vision fostered appreciation for Russian artistic heritage and provided public access to masterpieces. Beyond collecting, Tretyakov supported emerging artists through patronage and commissions. His legacy endures in one of Moscow’s foremost cultural institutions, inspiring generations of art lovers.

Giovanni Agnelli was born in 1866 in Villar Perosa, Italy. In 1899, he co-founded Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Fiat) at the age of 33. Under his leadership, Fiat became Italy's largest car manufacturer by integrating mass-production techniques. Agnelli expanded the company into railways, steel, and agricultural machinery during the early 20th century. He served as a senator in the Italian Senate and was a key figure in Italy's economic modernization. His entrepreneurial vision established the Agnelli family as one of Europe's most influential dynasties.

Harland David Sanders, famously known as Colonel Sanders, began selling fried chicken at his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky during the Great Depression. He perfected a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that became the hallmark of Kentucky Fried Chicken. In his sixties, Sanders traveled across North America to franchise his restaurant concept, donning his iconic white suit and black string tie. His relentless promotion turned KFC into a household name and shaped the modern fast-food industry. Sanders' image became inseparable from the brand, appearing in countless advertisements. He passed away in 1980, but his legacy lives on in thousands of KFC outlets worldwide.

Colin Chapman was an English automotive engineer and entrepreneur who founded Lotus Cars in 1952. Born in 1928, he championed the philosophy of 'adding lightness' to vehicle design, leading to innovative chassis and suspension systems. Chapman's lightweight approach yielded numerous racing victories, including multiple Formula One Constructors' Championships. His engineering breakthroughs, such as monocoque chassis construction and aerodynamic wings, influenced the broader automotive industry. Under his leadership, Lotus became synonymous with performance and innovation, cementing Chapman's reputation as a visionary in motorsport history.

Roy E. Disney (1930–2009) was an American businessman and the optimistic force behind The Walt Disney Company's animation renaissance. As the son of Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney, he served on the company's board and advocated for creative leadership. He played a key role in supporting projects that led to films like "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Lion King." Disney led shareholder revolts to restore creative direction and later founded Shamrock Holdings to manage family investments. A passionate conservationist, he also supported numerous charitable and environmental causes.