September 09

Edward Henry Harriman was born in 1848 and began his career as a clerk before rising to become one of the most powerful railroad executives in the United States. In 1897 he took control of the Union Pacific Railroad, reorganized its finances, and expanded its network across the West. He also gained influence over the Southern Pacific Railroad, modernizing equipment and improving safety standards. A generous philanthropist, Harriman supported education, scientific research, and cultural institutions. His estate at Arden in New York became a center for conservation efforts. He died in 1909, leaving behind a legacy of corporate innovation and civic contribution.

Albert Goodwill Spalding was born in 1850 and rose to fame as a star pitcher for the Boston Red Stockings, leading them to multiple championships in the National Association. In 1871 he co-authored the first Guide to Base Ball and later retired from playing to focus on business. He founded A.G. Spalding & Bros in 1876, standardizing baseballs and producing equipment that popularized the game. Spalding organized international baseball tours, bringing the sport to new audiences. He also served as president of the National League and wrote influential histories of baseball. He died in 1915, having shaped both the athletic and commercial sides of America's pastime.

Jack L. Warner was a pioneering film executive and producer born in London in 1892. He moved to California as a child and, with his brothers, founded Warner Bros. Pictures in 1923. Under his leadership, the studio produced landmark films like 'The Jazz Singer', ushering in the era of sound in cinema. Warner was known for his tough business acumen and creative vision, guiding the studio through its most successful years. He served as studio head until 1969, shaping the careers of stars and the direction of American film. Warner's legacy endures as one of the architects of modern Hollywood.

Born in 1930, Ernie Ball was a professional guitarist who recognized the need for lighter gauge strings to improve playability. In 1962, he founded Ernie Ball, Inc., which introduced the now-iconic Slinky guitar strings favored by many rock and roll musicians. Ball's innovative designs transformed the music industry and influenced generations of guitar players. He also supported music education and helped organize Guitar Hero contests for young talent. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a global enterprise while maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation. Ball passed away in 2004, but his impact on music endures through the strings that bear his name.

Born in 1930 in New York City, William Bernard Ziff Jr. inherited Ziff Davis from his father and led its expansion during the post-war era. Under his leadership, the company launched influential titles such as PC Magazine and Popular Photography. Ziff Jr. pioneered targeted advertising and editorial strategies that helped define niche magazine publishing. He sold a majority stake in the company in 1994 but remained a noted figure in media circles. A philanthropist as well, he supported educational and cultural institutions. Ziff passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on the magazine industry.

Born in 1921 in Kozhikode, Verghese Kurien studied engineering in India and at Michigan State University. He joined the dairy sector in Anand, Gujarat, where he helped establish the Kaira District Cooperative's dairy production. Under his guidance, the Amul cooperative revolutionized milk collection and distribution, empowering millions of farmers. Kurien's 'Anand Pattern' cooperative model became a blueprint for dairy development worldwide. He chaired the National Dairy Development Board and oversaw India's transformation into the world's largest milk producer. Awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award and India's Padma Vibhushan, Kurien passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy of rural empowerment and innovation.