September 16

Born into a prominent Jewish merchant family in Trois-Rivières in 1770, Hart expanded the family's brewing and shipping businesses. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1807, he became the first Jew to hold elected office in the British Empire. Assembly members expelled him on religious grounds, igniting public debate over civil rights and religious freedom. Hart campaigned for legal reforms and the extension of full political rights to Jewish communities across Canada. Despite facing significant prejudice, he remained active in politics and commerce, influencing local governance. His legacy endures as a pivotal figure in advancing religious tolerance and citizenship rights in Canada.

Born in 1843, Larrabee built a fortune through mining and railroad investments in the American Midwest. In the early 1880s he purchased land on the shores of Bellingham Bay, helping to establish the town of Fairhaven. His investments in real estate, transportation, and lumber mills spurred regional growth. A committed philanthropist, he supported local schools and churches. Larrabee's vision laid the foundation for the modern city of Bellingham before his death in 1914.

Born in 1932 in Paris, Louis-Dreyfus inherited a stake in the family's merchant trading company. He moved to the United States to study and later joined the Louis Dreyfus Group, expanding its operations. Under his leadership, the company grew into a multinational corporation with interests in agriculture and energy. He served on various corporate and charitable boards, promoting educational and cultural causes. As the father of actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, he was also known for his family ties to entertainment. He died in 2016, remembered as a visionary in global business and philanthropy.

Born in 1940 in Richmond, London, Sinclair showed an early aptitude for electronics and engineering. He founded Sinclair Radionics at age 21, releasing affordable calculators that achieved commercial success. In 1982, he launched the ZX Spectrum, a landmark home computer that helped popularize personal computing in the UK. Sinclair also developed the Sinclair C5 electric tricycle, demonstrating his interest in sustainable transport. Knighted in 1983 for his contributions to British industry, he left a lasting legacy in technology and entrepreneurship.