December 08

William Henry Vanderbilt, born in 1821, was the eldest son of Cornelius Vanderbilt. He inherited and significantly expanded the family's railroad and shipping businesses, making him one of the wealthiest men of his era. A noted philanthropist, he donated generously to universities, hospitals, and cultural organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Under his leadership, the New York Central Railroad became a model of efficiency and innovation. He died in 1885, leaving a lasting impact on American industry and philanthropy.

Douglas Tompkins was an American businessman and conservationist best known as the co-founder of The North Face and Esprit clothing companies. After achieving success in retail, he and his wife Kris shifted their focus to environmental activism. They purchased and protected millions of acres of wilderness in Chile and Argentina, ultimately donating vast tracts of land to create national parks. Tompkins applied his business acumen to conservation, founding organizations that promoted sustainable land management and biodiversity. His legacy endures through protected wild areas and his innovative approach to combining entrepreneurship with environmental stewardship. He died in 2015 while kayaking in Patagonia, leaving a powerful example of corporate responsibility and philanthropy.

Clarke Reed was an American businessman and politician born in 1928. He served as Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 1966 to 1976, guiding the party through a pivotal era. Reed played strategic roles in national political campaigns, including involvement in presidential elections. Beyond politics, he remained active in business and local community affairs in Mississippi. He passed away in 2024, leaving a legacy in the growth of the Republican Party in the Deep South.