I came across this amusing list of homeless characters who managed to gain notoriety for various deeds.

Cracked: 5 Homeless Guys Who Accomplished Amazing Things

Excerpt:

Formerly a businessman who lost every penny he had and apparently went over the edge as a result, Norton proclaimed himself “His Imperial Majesty Emperor Norton I.” He declared that he was the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico back in 1859. He reigned for over 20 years, walking the streets of San Francisco in full military uniform on a daily basis.

He was known for making proclamations and giving orders on how the country was to be run, such as issuing an order that Congress be dissolved by force, demanding that a League of Nations be formed and that a bridge be built connecting Oakland to San Francisco. Is it a coincidence that two of those things have since happened? Well, yeah probably.

I even found a book about this guy… there are probably others.