George Hearst
George Hearst, William Hearst's father, was a self-made millionaire in the mining business. He was born in Missouri in 1820 and traveled west to California to seek his fortune. Through successful investments, he soon collected a vast amount of wealth. In 1862, he married Phoebe Apperson, future mother of journalist William Hearst. George Hearst eventually owned investments in mines in Nevada, South Dakota, and Montana. Since he was so involved in some of America's largest mines, George Hearst did not have much trouble becoming a California Senator. While he was senator, he purchased the San Francisco Examiner, which he later gave to his son upon request.
Phoebe Apperson Hearst
Born in 1842 in Missouri, Phoebe Apperson Hearst was educationally raised and became a teacher in the Missouri school system, certified to teach all age groups. She married George Hearst when she was 19 and he was 41, and the two traveled to Panama together on their honeymoon. She grew to love traveling. When her son was young, she made sure that he was educated in the best ways possible and had opportunities to travel to Europe and other faraway countries, studying art and culture and visiting museums. In her later years she became very active in building up educational opportunities, especially for women, across the country.
