Herbert Clark Hoover was born on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa. Hoover’s parents and many of their neighbors were Quakers, and their ideals of hard work, nonviolence, and community cooperation influenced Hoover’s entire life. Both parents passed away before Hoover was 10 years old, and he was sent to Oregon to live with his uncle, a doctor, and a businessman. In 1891, Hoover was one of the first students to enroll in Stanford University in California, where he studied engineering and mining. He worked for the US Geological Survey during the summers and after his graduation. Hoover then became a world traveler when a British mining company, Bewick, Moreing & Co, hired him. His first assignment was in Australia, where he scouted for mineral deposits, particularly gold. He was promoted to mine manager by the time he was 23 and expanded the Sons of Gwalia Mine, which became one of the richest in Australia. He was then offered a promotion in China. That move would change the direction of his life.