I. I. (Isaac Israel) Hayes

Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1832, Isaac Israel Hayes trained as a physician at the University of Pennsylvania before becoming known for his Arctic work. Early in his career he joined Elisha Kent Kane's expedition as ship's surgeon, an experience that helped shape his reputation as an explorer of the polar regions.

Hayes later led his own Arctic expedition in 1860–1861, driven by the era's fascination with the far north and the idea of an open polar sea. He wrote about his travels for a broad readership, helping bring the dangers and wonder of Arctic exploration to people far from the ice.

His career did not stay in one lane. During the American Civil War he served in military hospital work, and afterward he entered politics, serving in the New York State Assembly. That mix of doctor, explorer, writer, and public servant makes him a memorable figure in 19th-century American history.