Clarence W. Barron: Founder of Modern Financial Journalism

Clarence W. Barron, publisher of The Wall Street Journal and Barron's Weekly is regarded as the founder of modern financial journalism. When he acquired Dow, Jones & Co. and The Wall Street Journal from the Dow and Bergstresser families for $130,000 in 1902, the periodical had a circulation of 7,000. Eccentric, resolute and with a nose for journalism, Barron transformed the paper into the nation's leading financial organ, employing the best talent money could buy and placing his imprint on the paper for generations to come . His influence went well beyond the financial world as he plunged into politics in support of his close friend, Calvin Coolidge's run for the presidency. Many sought Barron's advice, from corporate titans like Edward H. Harriman to Kaiser Wilhelm and Czar Nicholas II. Award-winning author Daniel Alef tells the story of one of America's greatest journalists and tycoons. [1,929-word Titans of Fortune biographical profile]