William H. Danforth (September 10, 1870 – December 24, 1955) was an American businessman known for founding Ralston Purina in St. Louis, Missouri in 1894.

He was a co-founder of the American Youth Foundation (AYF) and the author of the book, I Dare You!.

Ralston's checkerboard logo evolved from a personal development concept Danforth put forth in his book I Dare You!

[2] The concept became intertwined with the company in 1921 when it began selling feed that was pressed in cubes called "checkers."

The outer wall contains stones from Danforth's personal collection, obtained from various locations of historic importance.