beginner, founder, founding father, father - a person who founds or establishes some institution; "George Washington is the father of his country"

Ralegh, Raleigh, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Walter Raleigh, Walter Ralegh, Walter Raleigh - English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) who tried to colonize Virginia; introduced potatoes and tobacco to England (1552-1618)

Cecil J. Rhodes, Cecil John Rhodes, Cecil Rhodes, Rhodes - British colonial financier and statesman in South Africa; made a fortune in gold and diamond mining; helped colonize the territory now known as Zimbabwe; he endowed annual fellowships for Commonwealth and United States students to study at Oxford University (1853-1902)