Samuel Brannan (March 2, 1819 - May 14, 1889), was the first publicist of the California Gold Rush and its first millionaire. Brannan was a colorful, energetic figure in the early history of California and especially of San Francisco. "He probably did more for [San Francisco] and for other places than was effected by the combined efforts of scores of better men; and indeed, in many repects he was not a bad man, being as a rule strightforward as well as shrewd in his dealings, as famous for his acts of charity and open-handed liberality as for in enterprise, giving also frequent proofs of personal bravery."