South Carolina Hall Of Fame: Bernard M. Baruch

Bernard Baruch, an American financier, advised American presidents ranging from Woodrow Wilson to John F. Kennedy on economic matters for more than 40 years. Born in Camden, South Carolina, he moved with his family to New York City where he graduated from the City College of New York. Becoming a broker and then a partner in the firm of A. Housman and Company, he bought a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming one of Wall Street's financial leaders. His public career included serving as chairman of the War Industries Board during World War I, advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt on the New Deal and on economic measures during World War II, and representative to the United Nations Energy Commission. He hosted world leaders such as Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt at Hobcaw Barony, his winter residence on the coast of South Carolina. He was an adviser on international issues until his death.