January 26

Whitaker Wright achieved rapid wealth through mining and railway ventures before his sprawling business empire collapsed amid scandal. Exposed for fraudulent financial practices, Wright was sentenced to prison in 1904 and publicly faced ruin. In court, he ingested cyanide and died, creating one of the era's most sensational headlines. His rise and fall highlighted the dangers of unchecked speculation in the late Victorian financial world.

William Wrigley Jr. began his career selling soap and baking powder before discovering the profitability of chewing gum. In 1893, he founded the Wrigley Company, building iconic brands like Juicy Fruit and Spearmint Gum. Under his leadership, the company pioneered creative marketing and packaging innovations that fueled rapid growth. Wrigley also invested in real estate and professional baseball, leaving a lasting philanthropic and cultural legacy.

Merrill Church Meigs was an American newspaper executive who served as publisher of the Chicago Herald and Examiner during its heyday in the early 20th century. Under his leadership, the paper achieved record circulation and journalistic influence. A passionate supporter of civil aviation, Meigs championed the development of Chicago's Meigs Field, which was named in his honor. He also promoted advancements in news photography and modern printing techniques. His dual legacy spans media innovation and the expansion of commercial aviation.

Born into the wealthy Rockefeller family in 1908, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller built a career in both business and politics. He served four terms as Governor of New York from 1959 to 1973, championing education, infrastructure, and the arts. In 1974, President Gerald Ford selected him as Vice President, making him the 41st occupant of the office. Rockefeller was known for his moderate Republican views and pragmatic approach to governance. He established the International Basic Economy Corporation to promote economic development abroad. A passionate art collector and philanthropist, he founded institutions such as the Museum of Primitive Art in New York. Appreciation for his modernization efforts shaped the political landscape of mid-20th-century America. He died on January 26, 1979, leaving a complex legacy as both a business leader and public servant.

Jan Gies was born in 1905 in the Netherlands and worked as a small business owner in Amsterdam. During World War II, he and his wife Miep helped hide Anne Frank and her family from Nazi persecution. The Gies family provided food, shelter, and unwavering support to the Franks in their secret annex. After the war, Jan continued to share his experiences, contributing to Holocaust education and remembrance. His bravery and compassion have become emblematic of the Dutch resistance movement. He died on January 26, 1993, remembered as a symbol of humanitarian courage.