Levi Strauss

Born Lob Strauss in Buttenheim, Bavaria. Jewish family. His father died of tuberculosis when Levi was 16. Two years later he emigrated to New York with his mother and two sisters to join his brothers in the dry goods business.

Moved to San Francisco to open a West Coast branch of his brothers' dry goods company. The Gold Rush was in full swing. He sold fabric, clothing, and supplies to miners. Not gold pans. Cloth.

Received U.S. patent 139,121 with tailor Jacob Davis for riveted denim work pants. Davis had the idea but couldn't afford the $68 patent fee. Strauss paid. The first blue jeans were born. They cost $1.46 a pair.

Donated money to build 28 scholarships at the University of California. Also funded an orphanage and the Pacific Hebrew Orphan Asylum. Never married. Left his business to his four nephews.