July 26

Born in 1876 in Germany, Fred Duesenberg emigrated to the United States and revolutionized automobile engineering. With his brother August, he founded the Duesenberg Company, renowned for high-performance luxury cars like the Model J. He introduced advanced engine designs, supercharging techniques, and exceptional craftsmanship to early automotive manufacturing. Duesenberg vehicles became symbols of status and innovation, dominating both racing circuits and elite social circles. His legacy endures in classic car culture and the lasting influence of Duesenberg engineering standards.

George Gallup was born in 1901 in Iowa and earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Iowa. Shocked by the failure of straw polls during the 1936 U.S. presidential election, he developed scientifically-based sampling methods to measure public opinion. In 1935, he founded the American Institute of Public Opinion, later known as the Gallup Organization, revolutionizing market research and political polling. Gallup's techniques introduced the gold standard for survey methodology and forecasting in politics, business, and media. Through regular polling and analysis, he shaped how the world understood public attitudes and elections. He died on July 26, 1984, leaving a lasting legacy in social science and journalism.

George W. Romney (1907–1995) was a successful businessman and influential American politician. As CEO of American Motors Corporation, he revived the automaker during the 1950s. Romney served three terms as the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, focusing on civil rights and economic development. He was appointed U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Nixon, where he championed fair housing policies. Romney ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1968, advocating moderate and progressive platforms. His leadership in both business and public service paved the way for future generations of the Romney political family.

Max Winter (1903–1996) was an American entrepreneur and pioneer in professional football. In 1960, he co-founded the Minnesota Vikings as an NFL expansion franchise and served as team president. Winter played a key role in securing the franchise, designing team operations, and building the Metrodome stadium. Under his leadership, the Vikings became one of the league’s most competitive teams in the late 1960s and 1970s. He was inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor for his contributions to the organization. Winter’s vision and business acumen helped establish professional football as a major sport in Minnesota.

George P. Mitchell was born in 1919 in Galveston, Texas. He founded Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. and is credited with developing and commercializing hydraulic fracturing techniques that transformed the natural gas industry. Beyond his business achievements, he and his wife Cynthia established the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, funding environmental conservation, education, and healthcare projects. He donated generously to universities such as the University of Houston and Rice University. Mitchell passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy in both energy innovation and philanthropy.

Oleh Babayev was born in 1965 in Ukraine and built a successful business career in the confectionery and sugar industries. He entered politics as a member of the Party of Regions and was elected mayor of Kremenchuk in 2010. During his tenure, he focused on infrastructure projects, economic growth, and social programs for citizens. He won reelection by a wide margin, reflecting his popularity at the local level. On July 26, 2014, Babayev was tragically shot dead in a parking lot, sparking investigations and widespread mourning across the region.