He was never president of the United States (the Constitution prohibited it because he was foreign-born), but he was the most influential founding father and did all his brilliant work behind the scenes. Alexander Hamilton!

Hercules Mulligan, a fellow Upstate New Yorker and Hamiltonian kindred spirit, posted a lovely sentiment to the man who gave his all for our country. Check out his blog!

By the way, George Washington used to call him "Alex, my boy" while Hamilton served as Washington's aide. :)