December 14

Martin Baum (1765–1831) was an American businessman and civic leader who played a pivotal role in early Cincinnati's development. Born in Philadelphia, he moved westward and established successful hardware and sugar enterprises. Baum invested in infrastructure improvements, including roads and public utilities, that helped transform Cincinnati into a thriving river port. His philanthropy and leadership extended to cultural institutions and social causes within the growing community. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected as Cincinnati's fifth mayor, where he promoted civic and economic growth. Baum's entrepreneurial spirit and public service laid the groundwork for the city's emergence as a commercial hub in the Ohio Valley.

John Harvey Kellogg was an American physician, nutritionist, and health reformer. Born in 1852, he became superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. Alongside his brother Will, he co-invented corn flakes in 1894 as a healthful breakfast option. Kellogg pioneered dietary and exercise regimens advocating whole grains, vegetables, and enemas for wellness. He authored numerous books on health, nutrition, and holistic medicine. His unconventional treatments and ideas influenced the early vegetarian and wellness movements. He died in 1943, remembered for his contributions to dietary science and the breakfast cereal industry.

Lillian Vernon was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1927 and emigrated to the United States with her family to escape Nazi persecution. In 1951, she launched the Lillian Vernon Company from her Washington, D.C., apartment, offering personalized catalog merchandise. Under her leadership, the company grew into a multimillion-dollar mail-order business known for its innovative marketing and customer service. As a philanthropist, she supported educational and cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian and National Museum of Women in the Arts. Vernon also received numerous awards for entrepreneurship and community service. She remained active in the business until her death in 2015, leaving a legacy as a trailblazing female executive.