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| Yeager in front of the Bell X-1, |
For more February 13 anniversaries, including the premiere of Johann Strauss' "The Blue Danube," the opening ceremony for India's Parliament House in New Delhi and the discovery of the universe's largest known diamond, check out OnThatDay.
Charles Darwin entered the world on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury. His father, Robert Darwin, a prosperous local doctor, was a stern and critical figure in his life. Darwin's mother, Susannah Wedgwood, hailed from the renowned Wedgwood pottery family, with her father being Josiah Wedgwood. Additionally, Darwin's grandfather was Erasmus Darwin, a multifaceted figure known for his roles as a naturalist, poet, and philosopher, who had proposed his own theory of evolution. During his youth, Darwin's fascination with chemistry earned him the playful nickname "Gas" among his friends.
Coincidentally, on the same day and year, February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a humble one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring farm in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Lincoln, the first president born outside of the original 13 colonies, grew up in a frontier family with his father, Thomas, working as a farmer. Despite a lifelong belief that he was illegitimate, it was only discovered after his death that Lincoln was indeed legitimate.
Alice Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt's only child from his first marriage, was born on February 12, 1884. Known as Alice Lee Roosevelt, she became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., often described as the toast of the town. When questioned about controlling his spirited daughter, Roosevelt remarked that he could either be President of the United States or control Alice, but not both. At the age of 16, Alice inspired the creation of the song "Alice-Blue Gown," leading to the term "Alice Blue" representing a light bluish-green color.
For more February 12 anniversaries, including the founding of the US state of Georgia, the premiere of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" and Christian Dior's "New Look" fashion collection, check out OnThatDay.
Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio on February 11, 1847 and grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. His father Samuel, a shingle maker, was involved in a plot to overthrow the Canadian government but he managed to flee back to the USA. (Thomas was named after the barge captain Alva Bradley who helped smuggle his family to Milan, Ohio). With 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, he is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history. His inventions included the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera.
Charles Darwin entered the world on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury. His father, Robert Darwin, a prosperous local doctor, was a stern and critical figure in his life. Darwin's mother, Susannah Wedgwood, hailed from the renowned Wedgwood pottery family, with her father being Josiah Wedgwood. Additionally, Darwin's grandfather was Erasmus Darwin, a multifaceted figure known for his roles as a naturalist, poet, and philosopher, who had proposed his own theory of evolution. During his youth, Darwin's fascination with chemistry earned him the playful nickname "Gas" among his friends.
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| Painting of seven-year-old Charles Darwin in 1816. |
Coincidentally, on the same day and year, February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a humble one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring farm in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Lincoln, the first president born outside of the original 13 colonies, grew up in a frontier family with his father, Thomas, working as a farmer. Despite a lifelong belief that he was illegitimate, it was only discovered after his death that Lincoln was indeed legitimate.
Alice Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt's only child from his first marriage, was born on February 12, 1884. Known as Alice Lee Roosevelt, she became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., often described as the toast of the town. When questioned about controlling his spirited daughter, Roosevelt remarked that he could either be President of the United States or control Alice, but not both. At the age of 16, Alice inspired the creation of the song "Alice-Blue Gown," leading to the term "Alice Blue" representing a light bluish-green color.
For more February 12 anniversaries, including the founding of the US state of Georgia, the premiere of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" and Christian Dior's "New Look" fashion collection, check out OnThatDay.
Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio on February 11, 1847 and grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. His father Samuel, a shingle maker, was involved in a plot to overthrow the Canadian government but he managed to flee back to the USA. (Thomas was named after the barge captain Alva Bradley who helped smuggle his family to Milan, Ohio). With 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, he is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history. His inventions included the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera.
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| Edison as a boy |
American physicist Lawrence Harding "Larry" Johnston was born on February 11, 1918. He was the only man to witness all three atomic explosions in 1945: the Trinity nuclear test and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
For more February 11 anniversaries, including the first use of Anthracite coal as a residential heating fuel, the initial first-class cricket match in Australia and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, check out OnThatDay.
William Bradley known more commonly as Giant Bradley or the Yorkshire Giant, was born on February 10, 1787. By 18, he had shot up to 7ft 8in (233 cms). His teachers punished naughty boys by making Bradley lift them up and put them on high ceiling beams in the classroom until they learned their lesson.
William Bradley known more commonly as Giant Bradley or the Yorkshire Giant, was born on February 10, 1787. By 18, he had shot up to 7ft 8in (233 cms). His teachers punished naughty boys by making Bradley lift them up and put them on high ceiling beams in the classroom until they learned their lesson.
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| William Bradley aged 18 and half years. Wikipedia Commoms |
French magician Alexander Herrmann, also known as Herrmann the Great, was born on February 10, 1844. The model for the look of a 'typical' magician—a man with wavy hair, a top hat, a goatee, and a tailcoat—came from him.
Doctor Zhivago author Boris Pasternak was born into a wealthy assimilated Ukrainian Jewish family in Moscow, Russia on February 10, 1890. His father was the Post-Impressionist artist, Leonid Pasternak, professor at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Leonid Pasternak was a friend of Leo Tolstoy, and for months he lived in Yasnaya Polyana, and painted many portraits of the great writer, also illustrating his novels War and Peace and Resurrection.
For more February 10 anniversaries, including the murder of Mary Queen of Scot's second husband The Earl of Darnley, the launch of the first dreadnought and the marriage of Bob Marley to Rita Anderson, check out OnThatDay.
English-American philosopher, author, and activist Thomas Paine was born on February 9, 1737 in a cottage in Thetford, a town in Norfolk, England to Quaker corset maker Joseph and Frances Pain. After emigrating to The American colonies in 1774, he authored Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776–1783), which helped inspire the patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain. Paine's Rights of Man (1791), was in part a defense of the French Revolution against its critics.
William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the US, was born on February 9, 1773, the youngest of Benjamin Harrison V and Elizabeth Bassett's seven children. William's father was a planter and a delegate to the Continental Congress (1774–1777) who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was Governor of Virginia between 1781 and 1784. Harrison caught pneumonia after giving the longest inauguration speech on record, in cold snowy weather. He died after only 32 days in office.
English-American philosopher, author, and activist Thomas Paine was born on February 9, 1737 in a cottage in Thetford, a town in Norfolk, England to Quaker corset maker Joseph and Frances Pain. After emigrating to The American colonies in 1774, he authored Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776–1783), which helped inspire the patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain. Paine's Rights of Man (1791), was in part a defense of the French Revolution against its critics.
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| Oil painting by Laurent Dabos, circa 1791 |
William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the US, was born on February 9, 1773, the youngest of Benjamin Harrison V and Elizabeth Bassett's seven children. William's father was a planter and a delegate to the Continental Congress (1774–1777) who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was Governor of Virginia between 1781 and 1784. Harrison caught pneumonia after giving the longest inauguration speech on record, in cold snowy weather. He died after only 32 days in office.
Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley was born on February 9, 1865. One of the first known photographers of snowflakes, he perfected a process of catching flakes on black velvet in such a way that their images could be captured before they either melted or sublimated. Wilson Bentley took the first ever photograph of a snowflake in 1885.
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| Snowflake photos by Bentley, circa 1902 |
For more February 9 anniversaries, including the completion of Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper painting, the marriage of Peter The Great to his second wife, Catherine Skavronskaya and the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's last opera, Falstaff, check out OnThatDay
James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, United States on February 8, 1931. When Dean was six his family moved to California, but his mother died of cancer when he was nine, and he went to live with his aunt and uncle in Fairmount, Indiana. In high school, he became interested in drama and car racing. After graduating, he moved back to California to live with his father and stepmother and became an actor. He became an icon of the disillusioned teenager in such movies as Rebel Without a Cause before dying in a 1955 car crash.
James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, United States on February 8, 1931. When Dean was six his family moved to California, but his mother died of cancer when he was nine, and he went to live with his aunt and uncle in Fairmount, Indiana. In high school, he became interested in drama and car racing. After graduating, he moved back to California to live with his father and stepmother and became an actor. He became an icon of the disillusioned teenager in such movies as Rebel Without a Cause before dying in a 1955 car crash.
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| Dean in Rebel Without a Cause |
The composer John Williams was born on February 8, 1932, in Flushing, Queens, New York, Williams
has composed the scores to more than 100 films, including Jaws, the Star Wars movies and Schindler’s List. He is the world’s most successful film soundtrack composer and, with 52 Academy Award nominations, second to Walt Disney as the most-nominated person. (He has won five.)
For more February 8 anniversaries, including the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, the formation of the world's first independent payment card company and the longest surgery ever, check out OnThatDay.
English lawyer and politician Thomas More was born in Milk Street in London, on February 7, 1478. He was the eldest son of Sir John More, a successful lawyer who served as a judge in the King's Bench court. In his early teens Thomas entered the household of Cardinal Morton as a page who predicted young Thomas would be a "marvelous man." A lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, More served Henry VIII as Lord Chancellor for three years. He was beheaded for treason after he openly opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church.
English lawyer and politician Thomas More was born in Milk Street in London, on February 7, 1478. He was the eldest son of Sir John More, a successful lawyer who served as a judge in the King's Bench court. In his early teens Thomas entered the household of Cardinal Morton as a page who predicted young Thomas would be a "marvelous man." A lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, More served Henry VIII as Lord Chancellor for three years. He was beheaded for treason after he openly opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church.
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| Hans Holbein, the Younger - Sir Thomas More |
Charles Dickens was born at 393 Commercial Road, Portsea, near Portsmouth on February 7, 1812. His father John Dickens was a naval pay clerk at Chatham, Kent when Charles was young. A friendly man, he had an inability to keep out of debt and debtors prison. His mother, Elizabeth, spent time in debtor's prison as well. Charles was fonder of his easy going father than his unsympathetic practical mother. He based Mr Micawber on his father and Mrs Nickleby on his mother.
Country star Garth Brooks was born on February 7, 1962. His actual first name is Troyal (Garth is his middle name), the same first name as his father's. Brooks went to Oklahoma State University on a javelin throwing scholarship and earned a bachelor's degree in advertising in 1985, He signed with Capitol Records on June 17, 1988 launching one of the most successful music careers of all time.
For more February 7 anniversaries, including the first American city with gas streetlights, the marriage of Amelia Earhart to publisher George P. Putnam, and the world record for flight endurance, check out OnThatDay.
George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1895 at 216 Emory Street in the Pigtown section of Baltimore, Maryland. At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory where he learned baseball skills from Brother Matthias Boutlier of the Christian Brothers, a capable baseball player. Revered by many as the greatest baseball player of all time, he set career records for career home runs (714), runs batted in (RBIs) (2,213), bases on balls (2,062), and slugging percentage (.690). The last one still stands.
For more February 7 anniversaries, including the first American city with gas streetlights, the marriage of Amelia Earhart to publisher George P. Putnam, and the world record for flight endurance, check out OnThatDay.
George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1895 at 216 Emory Street in the Pigtown section of Baltimore, Maryland. At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory where he learned baseball skills from Brother Matthias Boutlier of the Christian Brothers, a capable baseball player. Revered by many as the greatest baseball player of all time, he set career records for career home runs (714), runs batted in (RBIs) (2,213), bases on balls (2,062), and slugging percentage (.690). The last one still stands.
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| Ruth in his first year with the New York Yankees, 1920 |
Ronald Reagan, the 40th US President, was born to Jack and Nelle Reagan on February 6, 1911 in a small apartment building in Tampico, Illinois. A film star during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Reagan was very active in politics near the end of his acting career, During the 1964 presidential election, he made a famous speech called "A Time For Choosing" in support of Republican candidate Barry Goldwater, which is credited with jumpstarting his political career.
For more February 6 birthdays including Anne, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Adolf Hitler's longtime companion Eva Braun, and reggae star Bob Marley, check out OnThatDay.
The Scottish surgeon William Smellie was born on February 5, 1697. Smellie published his book, Theory and Practice or Treatise on Midwifery in 1752, in which he established safe rules for the use of forceps (of which he introduced several types). The work was the first scientific approach to midwifery.
The Scottish surgeon William Smellie was born on February 5, 1697. Smellie published his book, Theory and Practice or Treatise on Midwifery in 1752, in which he established safe rules for the use of forceps (of which he introduced several types). The work was the first scientific approach to midwifery.
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| William Smellie |
Robert Peel, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834–1835 and 1841–1846), was born at Chamber Hall, Bury, Lancashire on February 5, 1788. On hearing the news of the birth of his son, the cotton industrialist, Sir Robert Peel fell on his knees and, returning thanks to God, vowed that he would give his son to his country. The younger Robert Peel grew up to be one of Britain's leading politicians of the nineteenth century.
For more February 5 birthdays including inventor Hiram Maxim who invented the world's first portable fully automatic machine gun, John Boyd Dunlop, the founder of the Dunlop Rubber Co, and the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, check out OnThatDay.
The German chemist Johann Friedrich Böttger was born on February 4, 1682. He was the first European to discover the ancient Chinese secret of the creation of hard-paste porcelain in 1708. Production began the following year and the first pieces went on sale at the Leipzig Easter Fair in 1710.
The German chemist Johann Friedrich Böttger was born on February 4, 1682. He was the first European to discover the ancient Chinese secret of the creation of hard-paste porcelain in 1708. Production began the following year and the first pieces went on sale at the Leipzig Easter Fair in 1710.
Charles Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902 in his grandfather’s home in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only child of Charles August Lindbergh, a lawyer and later an U.S. congressman and Evangeline Lodgehand, a pretty chemistry teacher. Charles grew up on the family farm in Little Falls, Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi. Friendless and self absorbed, he hunted, fished and had a special interest in machinery. He grew up to become a famous aviator who made the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic in 1927.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and pastor renowned for his significant impact on Christian theology and ethics, was born on February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany (present-day Wrocław, Poland). Born into a distinguished and well-educated family, Bonhoeffer's legacy extends beyond his theological contributions. He was a staunch opponent of the Nazi regime, actively participating in resistance movements during World War II.
For more February 4 anniversaries, including the election of George Washington as the US's first president, the break out of The Philippine–American War, and the first radioactive element to be made synthetically, check out OnThatDay.
German pianist and composer Felix Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg, Germany, on February 3, 1809, a grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. Young Felix studied piano and composition in Berlin, making his first public appearance at the age of nine. During his boyhood young Mendelssohn wrote many compositions. Among his early successes was the Midsummer Night's Dream Overture (1826). when he was just seventeen.
German pianist and composer Felix Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg, Germany, on February 3, 1809, a grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. Young Felix studied piano and composition in Berlin, making his first public appearance at the age of nine. During his boyhood young Mendelssohn wrote many compositions. Among his early successes was the Midsummer Night's Dream Overture (1826). when he was just seventeen.
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| Portrait of Mendelssohn by James Warren Childe 1839 |
For more February 3 anniversaries, including the marriage of Ivan the Terrible to Anastasia Romanovna, the first paper money in the Americas, and the The Day the Music Died, check out OnThatDay.
Nell Gwyn was said to have born at Hereford on February 2, 1650 at Gwynne Street. (London and Oxford also claim her as their own). Described by Samuel Pepys as "pretty, witty Nell", in 1665 Nell Gwyn soon achieved prominent recognition as a comic actress, appearing as Flydana in Dryden's Indian Emperor. While walking in St James’ Park, King Charles II spotted Nell and was immediately captivated. By now a single mother, her relationship with the English king provoked juicy gossip.
Nell Gwyn was said to have born at Hereford on February 2, 1650 at Gwynne Street. (London and Oxford also claim her as their own). Described by Samuel Pepys as "pretty, witty Nell", in 1665 Nell Gwyn soon achieved prominent recognition as a comic actress, appearing as Flydana in Dryden's Indian Emperor. While walking in St James’ Park, King Charles II spotted Nell and was immediately captivated. By now a single mother, her relationship with the English king provoked juicy gossip.
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| Nell Gwyn by Peter Lely c 1675 |
The Irish author James Joyce was born on February 2, 1882 to John Stanislaus Joyce and Mary Jane "May" Murray, at 41 Brighton Square, in the Dublin suburb of Rathgar. Joyce's ineffectual father was the model for the character of Simon Dedalus in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses, as well as several characters in Dubliners.
For more February 2 anniversaries, including the founding of Buenos Aires, the marriage of Mark Twain to Olivia "Livy" Langdon and the founding of Baseball's National League, check out OnThatDay.
Hollywood actor Clark Gable was born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901 in Cadiz to William Henry "Will" Gable, an oil-well driller and Adeline (née Hershelman). He was named William after his father, but even in childhood he was almost always called Clark. At seventeen, Gable was inspired to be an actor after seeing the play The Bird of Paradise. He had roles in more than 60 movies in multiple genres, three decades of which was as a leading man, most famously as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.
Hollywood actor Clark Gable was born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901 in Cadiz to William Henry "Will" Gable, an oil-well driller and Adeline (née Hershelman). He was named William after his father, but even in childhood he was almost always called Clark. At seventeen, Gable was inspired to be an actor after seeing the play The Bird of Paradise. He had roles in more than 60 movies in multiple genres, three decades of which was as a leading man, most famously as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.
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| Clark Gable |
President of Russia Boris Yeltsin was born in Butka, a small village near the Ural Mountains on February 1, 1931. The priest at young his christening was so drunk that he dropped baby Boris into the font then forgot he was there. The first President of Russia from 1990 to 1999, Yeltsin took control after the fall of the Soviet Union.
For more February 1 anniversaries, including the marriage of French novelist Alexandre Dumas to actress Ida Ferrier, completion of the construction of the first film production studio and the most-watched American television program of all time, check out OnThatDay
Austrian pianist and composer Franz Schubert was born in Himmelpfortgrund (now a part of Alsergrund), Vienna, Archduchy of Austria on January 31, 1797. He was born in a one room apartment of a house called The Red Crayfish, now a museum at Nussdorf Erstrasse 54 Vienna. Young Franz showed an extraordinary childhood aptitude for music and learnt to play the piano, violin and viola, the latter he played in the family string quartet.
Austrian pianist and composer Franz Schubert was born in Himmelpfortgrund (now a part of Alsergrund), Vienna, Archduchy of Austria on January 31, 1797. He was born in a one room apartment of a house called The Red Crayfish, now a museum at Nussdorf Erstrasse 54 Vienna. Young Franz showed an extraordinary childhood aptitude for music and learnt to play the piano, violin and viola, the latter he played in the family string quartet.
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| Schubert by Wilhelm August Rieder (1875) |
For more January 31 anniversaries, including the first American soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War, the launch of the first American satellite, and the world’s longest ever reigning female ruler, check out OnThatDay.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was born on January 30, 1882, in the Hudson Valley town of Hyde Park, Duchess County, New York. His father, James Roosevelt (1828–1900), was a wealthy landowner and vice-president of the Delaware and Hudson Railway. Franklin grew up in an atmosphere of privilege. He went ice boating and tobogganing in the winter and during the summer, Franklin fished and sailed in his father’s boat and bird watched.
For more January 30 anniversaries, including the beheading of King Charles I of England, the opening of the world's first modern suspension bridge and the last public performance of The Beatles, check out OnThatDay.
The 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, Jr. was born on January 29, 1843 in Niles, Ohio, the seventh child of William and Nancy (née Allison) McKinley. William McKinley was the last president to have served in the American Civil War, beginning as a private in the Union Army. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on February 7, 1863 and ended the war as a brevet major. After the war, McKinley settled in Canton, Ohio, where he practiced law and married Ida Saxton.
The composer Frederick Delius was born on January 29, 1862 in Bradford, West Yorkshire of German-Scandinavian descent. He was baptized as "Fritz Theodore Albert Delius," and used the forename Fritz until he was about 40. Delius followed a commercial career until he was 20, when he went to Florida as an orange planter, studying music in his spare time. He entered Leipzig Conservatory in 1886, and became a friend of the composer Edvard Grieg. After 1890 he composed prolifically.
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi to a single teenage mother, Vernita Lee, a maid. Her father, Vernon Winfrey, had broken up with Oprah's mom long before she was born. She spent her first six years living in rural poverty and wore potato sacks for clothes. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history. Winfrey is also a best-selling author and the world's first female black billionaire.
For more January 29 anniversaries, including the ascension of George IV to the UK throne, the marriage of Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgwood and patenting of the first motor car, check out OnThatDay.
British Army officer and administrator Charles George Gordon was born on January 28, 1833 in Woolwich, London. He made his military reputation in China, where he and his men were instrumental in putting down the Taiping Rebellion, regularly defeating much larger forces. After becoming the Governor-General of the Sudan, Gordon did much to suppress revolts and the local slave trade, but was killed by supporters of Muhammed Ahmed, the Mahdi, a rebel against Egyptian rule in the country.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was born on January 30, 1882, in the Hudson Valley town of Hyde Park, Duchess County, New York. His father, James Roosevelt (1828–1900), was a wealthy landowner and vice-president of the Delaware and Hudson Railway. Franklin grew up in an atmosphere of privilege. He went ice boating and tobogganing in the winter and during the summer, Franklin fished and sailed in his father’s boat and bird watched.
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| FDR's birthplace By Anthony22 at English Wikipedia |
For more January 30 anniversaries, including the beheading of King Charles I of England, the opening of the world's first modern suspension bridge and the last public performance of The Beatles, check out OnThatDay.
The 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, Jr. was born on January 29, 1843 in Niles, Ohio, the seventh child of William and Nancy (née Allison) McKinley. William McKinley was the last president to have served in the American Civil War, beginning as a private in the Union Army. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on February 7, 1863 and ended the war as a brevet major. After the war, McKinley settled in Canton, Ohio, where he practiced law and married Ida Saxton.
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| Photograph of William McKinley, 25th President of the United States. |
The composer Frederick Delius was born on January 29, 1862 in Bradford, West Yorkshire of German-Scandinavian descent. He was baptized as "Fritz Theodore Albert Delius," and used the forename Fritz until he was about 40. Delius followed a commercial career until he was 20, when he went to Florida as an orange planter, studying music in his spare time. He entered Leipzig Conservatory in 1886, and became a friend of the composer Edvard Grieg. After 1890 he composed prolifically.
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi to a single teenage mother, Vernita Lee, a maid. Her father, Vernon Winfrey, had broken up with Oprah's mom long before she was born. She spent her first six years living in rural poverty and wore potato sacks for clothes. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history. Winfrey is also a best-selling author and the world's first female black billionaire.
For more January 29 anniversaries, including the ascension of George IV to the UK throne, the marriage of Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgwood and patenting of the first motor car, check out OnThatDay.
British Army officer and administrator Charles George Gordon was born on January 28, 1833 in Woolwich, London. He made his military reputation in China, where he and his men were instrumental in putting down the Taiping Rebellion, regularly defeating much larger forces. After becoming the Governor-General of the Sudan, Gordon did much to suppress revolts and the local slave trade, but was killed by supporters of Muhammed Ahmed, the Mahdi, a rebel against Egyptian rule in the country.
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| General Charles George Gordon |
The journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley was born January 28, 1841 as John Rowlands in Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales. At the age of 18 he took a job as a cabin boy on a sailing ship bound for New Orleans. After arriving at New Orleans, Rowlands asked a wealthy trader called Henry Stanley — who had in fact long wished he had a son — "do you need a boy?", meaning hired help. Rowlands was adopted
The American Abstract Expressionist artist Jackson Pollack was born on January 28, 1912. He was known for his "drip and splash" technique, in which he laid his canvas on the floor and poured paint from a can instead of using an easel. Critics, dubbed him "Jack the Dripper."
For more January 28 anniversaries, including the first street in the world to be lit by gaslight, the publication of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, and the first person to be fined for breaking the speed limit, check out OnThatDay.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 to Leopold Mozart, a musician of the Salzburg Royal Chamber, and Anna Maria, née Pertl, at 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg. As a child Wolfgang Mozart created a sensation at European courts with his ability to sight read music and improvise. He began picking out chords from a harpsichord at the age of three. At four he was playing short pieces and Young Wolfgang wrote two minuets for the harpsichord at five.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 to Leopold Mozart, a musician of the Salzburg Royal Chamber, and Anna Maria, née Pertl, at 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg. As a child Wolfgang Mozart created a sensation at European courts with his ability to sight read music and improvise. He began picking out chords from a harpsichord at the age of three. At four he was playing short pieces and Young Wolfgang wrote two minuets for the harpsichord at five.
Charles Dodgson was born on January 27, 1832 in the parsonage of Daresbury in Cheshire to a clergyman father Dr Charles Dodgson and an uneducated mother. Young Charles was a bright, articulate boy with a precocious intellect: at the age of seven the child was reading The Pilgrim's Progress. A mathematician, photographer, and Anglican deacon, Dodgson is best known for his children's fiction, notably Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, under his Lewis Carroll pseudonym.
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| Charles Dodgson in 1856 |
Kaiser Wilhelm II was born on January 27, 1859 at the Crown Prince's Palace, Berlin, to Victoria, Princess Royal, the wife of Prince Frederick William of Prussia (the future Frederick III). Victoria was the eldest daughter of Britain's Queen Victoria, and Wilhelm was the first grandchild of the English queen and Prince Albert. He reigned in Germany from 1888 until his abdication on November 9, 1918 shortly before his country's defeat in World War I.
For more January 27 anniversaries, including the marriage of Peter the Great to Eudoxia Lopuizhina, the patenting of Edison's incandescent light bulb and the ending of the Siege of Leningrad, check out OnThatDay.
Ice hockey star Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, to Phyllis and Walter Gretzky. The family moved into a house on Varadi Avenue in Brantford, Ontario seven months after Wayne was born, chosen partly because its yard was flat enough to make an ice rink on every winter. He played 20 seasons in the NHL for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "The Great One", Gretzky has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters, players, and the NHL itself.
Ice hockey star Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, to Phyllis and Walter Gretzky. The family moved into a house on Varadi Avenue in Brantford, Ontario seven months after Wayne was born, chosen partly because its yard was flat enough to make an ice rink on every winter. He played 20 seasons in the NHL for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "The Great One", Gretzky has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters, players, and the NHL itself.
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| Photo below by Håkan Dahlström |
For more January 26 anniversaries, including The Battle of Talikota, the first public display of television, and the world record for the highest fall without a parachute, check out OnThatDay.
Irish chemist Robert Boyle was born at Lismore Castle, in County Waterford, Ireland on January 25, 1627. He was the seventh son (and fourteenth child) of Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork and Catherine Fenton. Boyle's father was said to be the richest man in Great Britain. Robert Boyle was the first chemist to collect a gas, and with Boyles's law in 1662, enunciated the law of the compressibility of gasses.
Irish chemist Robert Boyle was born at Lismore Castle, in County Waterford, Ireland on January 25, 1627. He was the seventh son (and fourteenth child) of Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork and Catherine Fenton. Boyle's father was said to be the richest man in Great Britain. Robert Boyle was the first chemist to collect a gas, and with Boyles's law in 1662, enunciated the law of the compressibility of gasses.
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| The Shannon Portrait of Robert Boyle |
William Colgate, founder of Colgate-Palmolive, was born on January 25, 1783. William Colgate started a candle, starch and soap making company on Dutch Street in New York City under the name of "William Colgate Company" in 1806. Colgate became in 1896 the first company to manufacture toothpaste in a collapsible tube, similar to the tubes that had just been introduced for artist's oil colors.
The poet Robert Burns was born, the eldest son of a poor peasant tenant farmer on January 25, 1796 in "Burns Cottage," Alloway, Scotland. His mother Agnes Brown Burnes earned extra cash making soft white cheese. She was a fine singer and knew many folk songs. Although poverty limited his formal education, Burns' father took pains that young Robert read widely, including Dryden, Milton and Shakespeare.
Blues musician Blind Willie Johnson was born on January 25, 1897. Johnson was blinded as a boy, abused by his father, and died penniless from disease after sleeping bundled in wet newspaper in a burnt down house. A revival of interest in Johnson's music began following his inclusion on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music; Carl Sagan preserved his legacy by selecting one of his songs, "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground," for the Voyager Golden Record in 1977.
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| The Burns Cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire. Wikipedia |
Blues musician Blind Willie Johnson was born on January 25, 1897. Johnson was blinded as a boy, abused by his father, and died penniless from disease after sleeping bundled in wet newspaper in a burnt down house. A revival of interest in Johnson's music began following his inclusion on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music; Carl Sagan preserved his legacy by selecting one of his songs, "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground," for the Voyager Golden Record in 1977.
For more January 25 anniversaries, including the founding of the Brazilian city of São Paulo. the marriage of William McKinley and Ida Saxton. and the inauguration of the U.S. transcontinental telephone service check out OnThatDay.
The Roman emperor Hadrian was born Publius Aelius Hadrianus on January 24, 76 AD. Although it was an accepted part of Hadrian's personal history that he was born in Italica, Spain, his biography in Augustan History states that he was born in Rome, of an ethnically Hispanic family with partial Italian origins. Hadrian was schooled in various subjects particular to young aristocrats of the day, and was so fond of learning Greek literature that he was nicknamed "Graeculus" ("Little Greek").
The famous castrati, Farinelli, was born on January 24, 1705. Christened Carlo Broschi, he took the surname of his benefactors, the brothers Farina, as his stage name. With a voice spanning three octaves and incredibly lungs Farinelli could hold a note for a minute without a break. Farielli used to sing for King Philip V of Spain to sleep at night.
Frederick the Great of Prussia was born in Berlin on January 24, 1712 to Frederick William I and Princess Sophia Dorothea of Hanover, the daughter of Britain's King George I. Frederick had a strict upbringing to prepare him for the military life. A sensitive child, he preferred art, literature and music to military matters. His father often hit him in public once beating him with a cane in front of army troops.
The Roman emperor Hadrian was born Publius Aelius Hadrianus on January 24, 76 AD. Although it was an accepted part of Hadrian's personal history that he was born in Italica, Spain, his biography in Augustan History states that he was born in Rome, of an ethnically Hispanic family with partial Italian origins. Hadrian was schooled in various subjects particular to young aristocrats of the day, and was so fond of learning Greek literature that he was nicknamed "Graeculus" ("Little Greek").
The famous castrati, Farinelli, was born on January 24, 1705. Christened Carlo Broschi, he took the surname of his benefactors, the brothers Farina, as his stage name. With a voice spanning three octaves and incredibly lungs Farinelli could hold a note for a minute without a break. Farielli used to sing for King Philip V of Spain to sleep at night.
Frederick the Great of Prussia was born in Berlin on January 24, 1712 to Frederick William I and Princess Sophia Dorothea of Hanover, the daughter of Britain's King George I. Frederick had a strict upbringing to prepare him for the military life. A sensitive child, he preferred art, literature and music to military matters. His father often hit him in public once beating him with a cane in front of army troops.
For more January 24 anniversaries, including the assassination of Caligula, the marriage of David Lloyd George and Margaret Owen, and the invention of the rubber heel, check out OnThatDay
The Italian pianist, composer and teacher Muzio Clementi was born on January 23, 1752. Clementi was the first to write for piano in a style distinguished from that of harpsichord. In 1766 he was brought to England, where toured as a virtuoso pianist, and went into the piano-manufacturing business. In 1826 Clementi completed his collection of keyboard studies the Gradus ad Parnassum, on which subsequent piano methods have been based.
The Italian pianist, composer and teacher Muzio Clementi was born on January 23, 1752. Clementi was the first to write for piano in a style distinguished from that of harpsichord. In 1766 he was brought to England, where toured as a virtuoso pianist, and went into the piano-manufacturing business. In 1826 Clementi completed his collection of keyboard studies the Gradus ad Parnassum, on which subsequent piano methods have been based.
Canadian/British fighter pilot, entrepreneur and spymaster Sir William Samuel Stephenson was born on January 23, 1897. The senior representative of British Security Coordination (BSC), a covert organization set up in New York City by the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) for the entire western hemisphere during World War II, many people believe Stephenson was the inspiration for James Bond.
The jazz musician Django Reinhardt was born on January 23, 1910, in a Gypsy caravan in Liberchies, Belgium. He was forced to give up the violin after a caravan fire in 1928 mutilated his left hand. Despite the accident, Reinhardt overcame the handicap and went on to create the 'hot' jazz guitar technique, which has since become a living musical tradition within French Gypsy culture.
For more January 23 anniversaries, including the deadliest earthquake in history, the first woman to qualify as a doctor of medicine in the US. and the longest United Nations speech in history, check out OnThatDay.
Little is known about Sir Walter Raleigh's birth. The date favored by the majority of historians is January 22, 1552. We do know he was born at a thatched house (now a farmhouse) near Budleigh Salterton in Devon to Walter Raleigh senior and Catherine Champernowne. Catherine Champernowne was a niece of Kat Ashley, Queen Elizabeth I's governess, who introduced the young men at court. A writer, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer, Raleigh was one of the most notable figures of the Elizabethan era.
English scientific philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561 at York House near the Strand in London to Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was Elizabeth I's Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Bacon entered Trinity College, Cambridge aged 13 where his studies of science brought him to the conclusion that the methods (and thus the results) were erroneous. He later argued that science could be achieved by use of a skeptical and methodical approach. Bacon also served as Attorney General and as Lord Chancellor of England.
Little is known about Sir Walter Raleigh's birth. The date favored by the majority of historians is January 22, 1552. We do know he was born at a thatched house (now a farmhouse) near Budleigh Salterton in Devon to Walter Raleigh senior and Catherine Champernowne. Catherine Champernowne was a niece of Kat Ashley, Queen Elizabeth I's governess, who introduced the young men at court. A writer, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer, Raleigh was one of the most notable figures of the Elizabethan era.
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| John Everett Millais, The Boyhood of Raleigh (1871) |
English scientific philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561 at York House near the Strand in London to Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was Elizabeth I's Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Bacon entered Trinity College, Cambridge aged 13 where his studies of science brought him to the conclusion that the methods (and thus the results) were erroneous. He later argued that science could be achieved by use of a skeptical and methodical approach. Bacon also served as Attorney General and as Lord Chancellor of England.
English poet and cleric John Donne was born on January 22,. 1572 in London, the third of six children. His father, also named John Donne, was a warden of the Ironmongers Company in the City of London. As a young man, Donne was the foremost English metaphysical poet noted for his beautiful and witty lyrics. He later became a cleric in the Church of England and is known for his sermons. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
The English romantic poet Lord Byron (birth name George Gordon) was born on January 22, 1788 at 24 Holles Street, London. He was addressed as The Right Honorable Lord Byron by strangers and as Byron (the title, not the name) by friends. No one ever called him George after he became Byron, not even his mother. As an English Romantic poet, he developed the persona of the "Byronic Hero": courageous, noble, and irresistibly attracted to women, whose flaws lead to his downfall.
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| George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, by Richard Westall |
For more January 22 anniversaries, including the death of Queen Victoria, the world's first "jumbo jet," and the Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade, check out OnThatDay.
Claudia Augusta the only daughter of the Roman emperor Nero by Poppaea Sabina was born on January 21, 63. At the birth of Claudia, Nero honored mother and child with the title of Augusta. However, the child died three months later, meaning Nero was still with no heir. Her father was devastated and many believe this was the event that unhinged the emperor.
Claudia Augusta the only daughter of the Roman emperor Nero by Poppaea Sabina was born on January 21, 63. At the birth of Claudia, Nero honored mother and child with the title of Augusta. However, the child died three months later, meaning Nero was still with no heir. Her father was devastated and many believe this was the event that unhinged the emperor.
Russian mystic Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin was born a peasant in a small Siberian village along the Tura River called Pokrovskoye on January 21, 1869. Grigory's father was a good for nothing peasant with no regular occupation. He was nicknamed “Rasputin” (a derivation of the adjective “rasputny” meaning “loose living”) in keeping with his reputation and the name stuck.
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| Grigori Rasputin (1864-1916) |
Christian Dior was born in Granville, on the coast of Normandy, France on January 21, 1905 to Maurice Dior, a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer, and his wife, the former Isabelle Cardamone. In 1946 Dior founded the self-titled iconic fashion house. His first fashion collection, the long-skirted "new look" brought Dior worldwide fame and helped Paris regain its position as the capital of the fashion world as out went fashion rations and in came masses of material, designed to suit a curvy hour-glass figure.
For more January 21 anniversaries, including the marriage of James VI of Scotland (and later I of England) to Anne of Denmark, the publication of the first American novel and the first shop to be lit by electric light check out OnThatDay.
Charlotte Payne Townshend, George Bernard Shaw's wife, was born on January 20, 1857. In 1897 Charlotte Payne Townshend, an Anglo-Irish woman of wealth and socialist ideals, proposed that she and Shaw should marry. He declined but the following year, as a result of overwork, Shaw's health broke down and Charlotte insisted on nursing him in a house in the country, Shaw, concerned that this might cause scandal, agreed to their marriage.
Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Eugene Aldrin, Jr. was born on January 20, 1930 in Montclair, New Jersey. His "Buzz” name originated from one of his sisters pronouncing brother as "buzzer," which was later shortened to "Buzz.".Aldrin made it his legal first name in 1988. "Buzz" Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was “Moon”.
Charlotte Payne Townshend, George Bernard Shaw's wife, was born on January 20, 1857. In 1897 Charlotte Payne Townshend, an Anglo-Irish woman of wealth and socialist ideals, proposed that she and Shaw should marry. He declined but the following year, as a result of overwork, Shaw's health broke down and Charlotte insisted on nursing him in a house in the country, Shaw, concerned that this might cause scandal, agreed to their marriage.
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| Aldrin in April 1969 |
For more January 20 anniversaries, including the summoning of England's first Parliament, the release of the first talkie movie to be filmed outdoors, and the marriage of Ronald Reagan to Jane Wyman, check out OnThatDay.
Francis II of France was born January 19, 1544 at the Château de Fontainebleau eleven years after the wedding of his parents' Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici. When the Dauphin Francis was three, his father agreed to unite France and Scotland by marrying him to the Scottish Queen, Mary Queen of Scots. They wed at Notre Dame in Paris when Francis was 14. He ascended the throne of France a year later after the accidental death of his father.
Scottish engineer James Watt was born on January 19, 1736 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. James was educated at home by his mother, later going on to attend Greenock Grammar School. Labelled dull and inept by his teachers, he only began to develop intellectually when he got into geometry at the age of 13. It is said James originally got the idea for a steam engine while still a boy watching steam lift the lid off his mother’s tea kettle.
Francis II of France was born January 19, 1544 at the Château de Fontainebleau eleven years after the wedding of his parents' Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici. When the Dauphin Francis was three, his father agreed to unite France and Scotland by marrying him to the Scottish Queen, Mary Queen of Scots. They wed at Notre Dame in Paris when Francis was 14. He ascended the throne of France a year later after the accidental death of his father.
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| Francis II of France |
Scottish engineer James Watt was born on January 19, 1736 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. James was educated at home by his mother, later going on to attend Greenock Grammar School. Labelled dull and inept by his teachers, he only began to develop intellectually when he got into geometry at the age of 13. It is said James originally got the idea for a steam engine while still a boy watching steam lift the lid off his mother’s tea kettle.
The writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. His parents were two touring vaudeville actors, David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins. Edgar was left an orphan when he was two and the wealthy Scottish merchant John Allan took him into his home in Richmond, Virginia. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, and is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre. He was the first well-known American to earn a living through writing alone.
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| Daguerreotype of Edgar Allan Poe |
Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, in Provence in the South of France. Paul's father, Louis-Auguste Cézanne was the co-founder of a banking firm. Going against the objections of his banker father, Cézanne committed himself to pursuing his artistic development and left Aix for Paris in 1861. Louis-Auguste Cézanne's firm prospered throughout the artist's life, affording him financial security that was unavailable to most of his contemporaries.
For more January 19 anniversaries, including the premiere of the first part of Goethe's poetic play, Faust, the first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, and the release of the first computer virus, check out OnThatDay.
Daniel Webster was born on January 18, 1782 in Salisbury, New Hampshire, now part of the city of Franklin. Webster represented Massachusetts in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He sat in the House of Representatives from 1813, and in the Senate from 1827. Webster turned down two offers to be vice president by William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor because he thought the office was a dead-end position. Both these presidents went on to die in office.
Daniel Webster was born on January 18, 1782 in Salisbury, New Hampshire, now part of the city of Franklin. Webster represented Massachusetts in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He sat in the House of Representatives from 1813, and in the Senate from 1827. Webster turned down two offers to be vice president by William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor because he thought the office was a dead-end position. Both these presidents went on to die in office.
Oliver Hardy was born Norvell Hardy on January 18, 1892 in Harlem, Georgia, USA. He chose his father's first name calling himself Oliver Norvell Hardy during his career as a stage singer. Oliver Hardy's first onscreen appearance was in the 1914 comedy film, Outwitting Dad. Hardy was an accomplished actor by the time he teamed up with Stan Laurel in 1927 having featured in over 250 productions. As a team, Laurel and Hardy became famous for their slapstick comedy, appearing in 107 films.
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| Oliver Hardy |
Hollywood star Cary Grant was born Archibald Alexander Leach on January 18, 1904 in Bristol, England. He was the only surviving child of Elsie Leach (née Kingdon) and Elias Leach, an alcoholic pants presser. At the age of 16, he went to the US with the Pender Troupe as a stilt walker. After a series of successful performances in New York City, he decided to stay there and became an actor starring in such films as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, Notorious and North By Northwest.
The actor Kevin Costner was born in Lynwood, California on January 18, 1955 to Bill and Sharon Costner. Before hitting it big in the acting business Kevin Costner worked as a skipper on the ride, the Jungle Cruise, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. His first film role was in the 1981 low-budget softcore film Sizzle Beach. Costner's best known movies include Field of Dreams, The Untouchables, Bull Durham and Dances with Wolves, the latter which he also directed and produced.
For more January 18 anniversaries, including the first ships carrying convicts from England arriving in Australia, the formal unification of Germany, and the marriage of Rudyard Kipling to Caroline "Carrie" Balestier, check out OnThatDay.
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. in Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He was born into what would become a large family during the early colonial period of American history. Franklin is celebrated as a Founding Father, co-author of the Declaration of Independence, and pioneering electrical researcher whose lightning rod revolutionized safety. His diplomatic prowess secured French support during the American Revolution, while aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanack codified practical wisdom for generations.
Boxing great Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. He changed his name when he later joined the Black Muslim religious sect. His father Cassius Clay Sr. was a muralist, but painted signs for a living. His mother Odessa Clay worked as a house cleaner and a cook. Cassius Clay took an interest in boxing when his bike was stolen by local hoods.
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. in Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He was born into what would become a large family during the early colonial period of American history. Franklin is celebrated as a Founding Father, co-author of the Declaration of Independence, and pioneering electrical researcher whose lightning rod revolutionized safety. His diplomatic prowess secured French support during the American Revolution, while aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanack codified practical wisdom for generations.
Boxing great Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. He changed his name when he later joined the Black Muslim religious sect. His father Cassius Clay Sr. was a muralist, but painted signs for a living. His mother Odessa Clay worked as a house cleaner and a cook. Cassius Clay took an interest in boxing when his bike was stolen by local hoods.
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| Ali in 1967 |
James Eugene "Jim" Carrey was born on January 17, 1962, in Ontario, Canada to Percy (an accountant and aspiring jazz saxophonist) and Kathleen. He is of French-Canadian ancestry on his father's side, and has French, Irish, and Scottish ancestry on his mother's side. His family's surname was originally "Carré". As a child, Jim Carrey used to wear his tap shoes to bed just in case his parents needed cheering up in the middle of the night.
Michelle Robinson Obama was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a one-bedroom flat, sleeping in the living room with her brother. Michelle Obama graduated from Princeton and has a law degree from Harvard. At 5ft 11in, Michelle Obama is the joint tallest First Lady — sharing the honor with Eleanor Roosevelt and Melania Trump.
For more January 17 birthdays, including UK Prime Minister David Lloyd George, and Al Capone check out OnThatDay.
Bayinnaung Kyawhtin Nawrahta king of the Toungoo Dynasty of Burma was born on January 16, 1516. During his 31-year reign, Bayinnaung assembled the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, which included much of modern-day Burma, Chinese Shan states, Lan Na, Lan Xang, Manipur and Siam.
Bayinnaung Kyawhtin Nawrahta king of the Toungoo Dynasty of Burma was born on January 16, 1516. During his 31-year reign, Bayinnaung assembled the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, which included much of modern-day Burma, Chinese Shan states, Lan Na, Lan Xang, Manipur and Siam.
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| Statue of Bayinnaung in front of the National Museum. Author Phyo WP Wikipedia Commons |
American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey was born on January 16, 1932. In 1966, she began studying gorillas in the dense mountain forests of Rwanda, establishing the Karisoke Research Center. Fossey spent 18 years observing and interacting with gorillas, gaining their trust and becoming one of the first researchers to document their complex social behavior and family dynamics. Fossey's book, Gorillas in the Mist, and the subsequent film adaptation brought the plight of gorillas to the world's attention and raised awareness for their conservation.
For more January 16 anniversaries, including the first grammar of a modern European language, the crowning of Ivan IV of Russia, aka. Ivan the Terrible, and the opening of the first real American discotheque, check out OnThatDay.
French playwright Molière, was born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin on January 15, 1622 in Paris, the son of Jean Poquelin, a carpet shop owner and Marie Cressé, the daughter of a prosperous bourgeois family. At the age of 21, he joined the actress Madeleine Béjart and founded the Illustre Théâtre with 630 livres. It was at this time that he began to use the pseudonym Molière, probably to spare his father the shame of having an actor in the family.
French playwright Molière, was born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin on January 15, 1622 in Paris, the son of Jean Poquelin, a carpet shop owner and Marie Cressé, the daughter of a prosperous bourgeois family. At the age of 21, he joined the actress Madeleine Béjart and founded the Illustre Théâtre with 630 livres. It was at this time that he began to use the pseudonym Molière, probably to spare his father the shame of having an actor in the family.
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| Portrait of Molière painted at Avignon c. 1658, |
Charles Dickens’s son Francis was born on January 15, 1844. Francis Dickens joined the North-West Mounted Police as a Sub Inspector in Canada in 1874 shortly after the March West which brought the original police force of 300 members to the modern provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. He served at Fort Walsh, Fort Macleod and Fort Pitt, getting promoted to Inspector in 1880.
Dr. Martin Luther King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His Baptist pastor father , Michael King Sr., was an early civil rights activist. He was a great influence in showing his son the importance of faith and family in holding together the Black community. Between 1955 and his assassination in 1968, Martin Luther King was the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement. He used civil disobedience to combat institutionalized racism, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
For more January 15 anniversaries, including the opening of the British Museum in London, the completion of the first building to be totally covered in glass, and the launch of Wikipedia, check out OnThatDay.
Roman general and politician Marcus Antonius, commonly known in English as Mark Antony, was born on January 14, 83 BC to a well-respected family. After Julius Caesar's assassination, he formed a three-man dictatorship with Caesar's nephew Octavian and Marcus Aernillius Lepicius. Mark Antony was assigned Rome's eastern territories, including the client kingdom of Egypt, then ruled by Cleopatra, with whom he had a famous romance.
American Matthew Maury, the Father of Modern Oceanography and Naval Meteorology, was born on January 14, 1806. He used Psalm 8 as a guide when he discovered ocean currents. In 1847, Maury published the Wind and Current Chart of the North Atlantic, which showed sailors how to use the ocean's currents and winds to their advantage and drastically reduced the length of ocean voyages.
Roman general and politician Marcus Antonius, commonly known in English as Mark Antony, was born on January 14, 83 BC to a well-respected family. After Julius Caesar's assassination, he formed a three-man dictatorship with Caesar's nephew Octavian and Marcus Aernillius Lepicius. Mark Antony was assigned Rome's eastern territories, including the client kingdom of Egypt, then ruled by Cleopatra, with whom he had a famous romance.
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| Flavian-era bust of Antony |
American Matthew Maury, the Father of Modern Oceanography and Naval Meteorology, was born on January 14, 1806. He used Psalm 8 as a guide when he discovered ocean currents. In 1847, Maury published the Wind and Current Chart of the North Atlantic, which showed sailors how to use the ocean's currents and winds to their advantage and drastically reduced the length of ocean voyages.
For more January 14 anniversaries, including the demonstration of the telephone to Queen Victoria, the premiere of Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca and the outlawing of the teaching of evolution in Tennessee, check out OnThatDay.
Actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus was born in New York City on January 13, 1961. Her French-born Jewish father, billionaire Gérard Louis-Dreyfus, chaired the Louis Dreyfus Company. She first gained recognition on Saturday Night Live, but Louis-Dreyfus' breakthrough came in 1989 with a nine-season run playing Elaine Benes on the NBC series Seinfeld. Other notable television roles include her role as the lead character Selina Meyer in Veep, which ran for seven seasons on HBO.
Actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus was born in New York City on January 13, 1961. Her French-born Jewish father, billionaire Gérard Louis-Dreyfus, chaired the Louis Dreyfus Company. She first gained recognition on Saturday Night Live, but Louis-Dreyfus' breakthrough came in 1989 with a nine-season run playing Elaine Benes on the NBC series Seinfeld. Other notable television roles include her role as the lead character Selina Meyer in Veep, which ran for seven seasons on HBO.
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| Louis-Dreyfus in 2007 By Albert Domasin from Los Angeles |
For more January 13 anniversaries, including the ordination of Jonathan Swift, the manufacture of the first batch of dynamite and the first public radio broadcast, check out OnThatDay.
The Irish statesman, political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke was born on January 12, 1729 in Dublin, Ireland, to a prosperous solicitor, Richard Burke. In 1744, Burke went to Trinity College, Dublin and, in 1747, set up a debating society, "Edmund Burke's Club", which, in 1770, merged with the college's Historical Club to form the College Historical Society, now the oldest undergraduate society in the world.
Nazi leader Hermann Göring was born on January 12, 1893 in Rosenheim, Bavaria. During World War I Goring became a renowned fighter pilot and in 1918, after he shot his nineteenth plane, he was awarded the coveted Pour le Mérite, the highest airforce award in Germany. He clocked up 22 kills in total during the war. Despite his bravery and numerous victories, Göring wasn’t popular with the other pilots, seemingly due to his arrogance.
The Irish statesman, political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke was born on January 12, 1729 in Dublin, Ireland, to a prosperous solicitor, Richard Burke. In 1744, Burke went to Trinity College, Dublin and, in 1747, set up a debating society, "Edmund Burke's Club", which, in 1770, merged with the college's Historical Club to form the College Historical Society, now the oldest undergraduate society in the world.
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| Portrait by Joshua Reynolds, c. 1769 |
Nazi leader Hermann Göring was born on January 12, 1893 in Rosenheim, Bavaria. During World War I Goring became a renowned fighter pilot and in 1918, after he shot his nineteenth plane, he was awarded the coveted Pour le Mérite, the highest airforce award in Germany. He clocked up 22 kills in total during the war. Despite his bravery and numerous victories, Göring wasn’t popular with the other pilots, seemingly due to his arrogance.
The Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born Mahesh Prasad Varma on January 12, 1918. After spending two years in silence in the Himalayan foothills, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi traveled to the USA in 1959 obeying the commission of his spiritual mentor, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, who was called "Guru Dev." There he started to teach a basic silent mantra meditation technique, called Transcendental Meditation, which was taken from the ancient Vedic tradition.
For more January 12 anniversaries, including the first public museum in America, the first ever sitcom and the marriage of Howard Hughes to Jean Peters, check out OnThatDay.
Theodosius I, also called Theodosius the Great, was born in Hispania (now Spain) on January 11, 347. The son of a military officer, Flavius Theodosius was raised in a Christian family and baptized in 380. A Roman Emperor from 379 to 395, he was the prime mover of imperial Christianity during its early period as a privileged religion and the last of the great Roman emperors.
Theodosius I, also called Theodosius the Great, was born in Hispania (now Spain) on January 11, 347. The son of a military officer, Flavius Theodosius was raised in a Christian family and baptized in 380. A Roman Emperor from 379 to 395, he was the prime mover of imperial Christianity during its early period as a privileged religion and the last of the great Roman emperors.
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| Nummus of Theodosius I Photographed by: York Museums Trust Staff |
Aerospace engineer Edward A. Murphy Jr. was born on January 11, 1918. Murphy's Law, an adage about accidents that is typically stated as, 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,' is named after him. It is a misinterpretation of his statement "If there's more than one way to do a job, and one of those ways will result in disaster, then he [his assistant] will do it that way."
Leonard Skinner, a high school gym teacher and basketball coach from Jacksonville, Florida, was born on January 11, 1933. The rock music group Lynyrd Skynyrd is named after Skinner because of his strict enforcement of a policy against students wearing long hair.
For more January 11 anniversaries, including the founding of America's first ever life insurance company, the marriage of George Stephenson to Ellen Gregory, and the first use of X-rays under clinical conditions check out OnThatDay.
Italian priest-biologist Lazzaro Spallanzani was born on January 10, 1729. The experiments of Lazzaro Spallanzani showed that semen is necessary for fertilization. Spallanzani discovered and described mammal reproduction, showing that it requires both semen and an ovum. He was the first to perform in vitro fertilization, with frogs, and an artificial insemination, using a dog.
Italian priest-biologist Lazzaro Spallanzani was born on January 10, 1729. The experiments of Lazzaro Spallanzani showed that semen is necessary for fertilization. Spallanzani discovered and described mammal reproduction, showing that it requires both semen and an ovum. He was the first to perform in vitro fertilization, with frogs, and an artificial insemination, using a dog.
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| Spallanzani |
Rod Stewart, the iconic British singer-songwriter, was born on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, London, England. Stewart's musical journey began early on, influenced by the sounds of rhythm and blues. He honed his skills in various bands throughout the 1960s, gaining valuable experience and honing his unique vocal style. His breakthrough came in the early 1970s with his distinctive raspy voice and a string of hit songs like "Maggie May," "Sailing," and "Tonight's the Night."
For more January 10 anniversaries, including the publication of Thomas Paine's Common Sense pamphlet, the strongest extra-tropical cyclone ever recorded in the North Atlantic and the death of David Bowie, check out OnThatDay.
Rebecca Bryan, the wife of pioneer Daniel Boone, was born on January 9, 1739. They married in Yadkin River, North Carolina on August 14, 1756. Rebecca was nearly as tall as her husband and was very attractive with black hair and dark eyes.
Rebecca Bryan, the wife of pioneer Daniel Boone, was born on January 9, 1739. They married in Yadkin River, North Carolina on August 14, 1756. Rebecca was nearly as tall as her husband and was very attractive with black hair and dark eyes.
The Spanish Roman Catholic priest Josemaría Escrivá, founder of The Opus Dei, was born on January 9, 1902. Following a prayerful retreat in which he saw a vision, Josemaría Escrivá founded The Opus Dei (Work of God) organization in 1928 in Madrid, Spain. Escrivá intended the group to be a collection of secular priests and lay people with each member dedicating their life to God but retaining the freedom and responsibility of their worldly lives.
Richard Nixon was born on January 9, 1913 in Yorba Linda, California to Francis "Frank" Anthony Nixon and Hannah Milhous Nixon. He was named after the medieval English king Richard the Lionheart. His mother was a devout Quaker and Richard's upbringing was marked by Quaker observances of the time, such as refraining from alcohol, dancing, and swearing. Herbert Hoover was the only other United States President to belong to the Quaker faith.
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| Nixon at Whittier High School in 1930. |
Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge was born Kate Middleton in Reading, Berkshire, England on January 9, 1982. Her parents became self-made millionaires after launching a successful party supply store. As a young child, Kate performed in a play in which she portrayed a young lady wooed by a young, handsome blond prince named William. It was at St Andrews where Kate Middleton first met Prince William when she tool part in a university fashion show in 2002. They married nine years later.
For more January 9 anniversaries, including the first modern circus, the first successful balloon flight in the United States and the launch of iTunes, check out OnThatDay.
Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in the Mississippi city of Tupelo. Elvis was actually one half of a set of twins. His twin brother, later named Jesse Garon Presley, died during birth, which was not terribly uncommon for a family in 1935 Mississippi. With no other siblings, Elvis was raised an only child. Known as "The King of Rock n' Roll," he rose to prominence in the late 1950s to become the best-selling solo music artist of all time.
Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in the Mississippi city of Tupelo. Elvis was actually one half of a set of twins. His twin brother, later named Jesse Garon Presley, died during birth, which was not terribly uncommon for a family in 1935 Mississippi. With no other siblings, Elvis was raised an only child. Known as "The King of Rock n' Roll," he rose to prominence in the late 1950s to become the best-selling solo music artist of all time.
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| Presley in a publicity photograph for the 1957 film Jailhouse Rock |
The physicist Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, which was 300 years to the day after Galileo died. Hawking suffered from a rare early-onset, slow-progressing form of motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzed him over the decades. For much of his life, he communicated using a single cheek muscle attached to a speech-generating device.
The influential rock musician David Bowie was born David Robert Jones in Brixton, London, on January 8, 1947 to Margaret Mary "Peggy" Jones, a cinema usherette, and Haywood Stenton "John" Jones, a publicity director for an orphanage. David Bowie's first TV appearance was in November 1964, when, aged 17, he gave an interview on BBC's Tonight show as spokesman for The Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Boys.
For more January 8 anniversaries, including the death of Galileo Galilei, the last person in UK to be executed for blasphemy, and the christening of the largest ocean liner ever built, check out OnThatDay.
Bernadeta Soubirous (Saint Bernadette) was born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844. Her parents were François Soubirous, a poor miller with no regular employment, and Louise (née Castérot) a laundress. Bernadette did farm work, notably sheep herding, for a family friend in nearby Bartres, and also waited tables in her Aunt Bernarde's tavern. Bernadette had the first of several visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto when she was 14.
Bernadeta Soubirous (Saint Bernadette) was born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844. Her parents were François Soubirous, a poor miller with no regular employment, and Louise (née Castérot) a laundress. Bernadette did farm work, notably sheep herding, for a family friend in nearby Bartres, and also waited tables in her Aunt Bernarde's tavern. Bernadette had the first of several visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto when she was 14.
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| Bernadette Soubirous when a child. |
The first person born in Antarctica was Emilio Marcos Palma of Argentina on January 7, 1978. He was born in Fortín Sargento Cabral at the Esperanza Base near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and weighed 3.4 kg (7 lb 8 oz). His father, Captain Jorge Emilio Palma, was head of the Argentine army detachment at the base.
For more January 7 anniversaries, including Galileo observations with his telescope of Jupiter's four largest moons. the opening of the first American commercial bank, and the invention of the first motion picture film, check out OnThatDay
King Richard II of England was born on January 6, 1367 in Bordeaux, France, during the reign of his grandfather, Edward III. He was the son of Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, and Joan of Kent, "The Fair Maid of Kent." Richard became his father's successor when his elder brother died in infancy. His father died before him, so he became king in 1377, when he was just 10 years old. Richard was deposed in 1399 by Henry of Bolingbroke (Henry IV), taken prisoner and died in captivity later that year.
King Richard II of England was born on January 6, 1367 in Bordeaux, France, during the reign of his grandfather, Edward III. He was the son of Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, and Joan of Kent, "The Fair Maid of Kent." Richard became his father's successor when his elder brother died in infancy. His father died before him, so he became king in 1377, when he was just 10 years old. Richard was deposed in 1399 by Henry of Bolingbroke (Henry IV), taken prisoner and died in captivity later that year.
Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412 in the village of Domrémy, in East France. Joan's father was Jacques D'Arc a well to do but illiterate, peasant farmer. Joan worked in harvest fields and guarded the animals at pasture. After a divine vision, she disguised herself as a man and led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War. After being captured by the Burgundians, the 19-year-old Joan was burned at the stake for heresy. She was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.
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| Joan of Arc |
For more January 6 anniversaries, including the marriages of George Washington to Martha Dandridge Custis, and Albert Einstein to Mileva Marić, Samuel Morse's first demonstration of his telegraph system, and the death of Theodore Roosevelt, check out OnThatDay.
King Camp Gillette was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on January 5, 1855 and brought up in Chicago. After working for several years as a traveling salesman for a hardware company, Gillette decided he wanted to invent something disposable that would be in constant demand. After years of experimentation he developed a disposable steel blade and razor. He established the Gillette Safety Razor Company in 1901.
King Camp Gillette was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on January 5, 1855 and brought up in Chicago. After working for several years as a traveling salesman for a hardware company, Gillette decided he wanted to invent something disposable that would be in constant demand. After years of experimentation he developed a disposable steel blade and razor. He established the Gillette Safety Razor Company in 1901.
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| King Camp Gillette |
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, Britain’s first woman racing driver, was born on January 5, 1882. In 1909 Levittt advised female drivers to use a hand mirror to see the road behind them — thus inventing the rear-view mirror — and also carry a handgun if they were travelling alone. Dorothy Levitt taught Queen Alexandra and the Royal Princesses how to drive.
For more January 5 anniversaries, including the first British North American colony to declare its independence, the publication of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and the first one-day cricket international, check out OnThatDay.
Louis Braille was born near Paris on January 4, 1809. Despite having been warned not to play with his father's tools, young Louis picked up a sharp knife and tried to cut a piece of leather. The blade slipped, gouging one of his eyes. The wound became dangerously infected. which spread to his good eye leaving him blind aged 3.
Louis Braille was born near Paris on January 4, 1809. Despite having been warned not to play with his father's tools, young Louis picked up a sharp knife and tried to cut a piece of leather. The blade slipped, gouging one of his eyes. The wound became dangerously infected. which spread to his good eye leaving him blind aged 3.
Louis received a scholarship to France's Royal Institute for Blind Youth and while still a student there, he developed a system of reading and writing for use by the blind or visually impaired.
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| By Son of Groucho from Scotland - Braille's memorial in the Panthéon |
For more January 4 anniversaries, including the admission of Utah as the 45th U.S. state, the publication of Billboard's first music chart, and Burma's independence from the United Kingdom check out OnThatDay.
Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1945 to 1951, was born in Putney, London on January 3, 1883 to Henry Attlee, a solicitor, and Ellen Bravery Watson. His Labour government carried out their manifesto commitment for nationalization of basic industries and public utilities. By 1951 about 20% of the British economy had been taken into public ownership. They also presided over the decolonization of a large part of the British Empire including India and Pakistan.
Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1945 to 1951, was born in Putney, London on January 3, 1883 to Henry Attlee, a solicitor, and Ellen Bravery Watson. His Labour government carried out their manifesto commitment for nationalization of basic industries and public utilities. By 1951 about 20% of the British economy had been taken into public ownership. They also presided over the decolonization of a large part of the British Empire including India and Pakistan.
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| Portrait by George Harcourt 1946 |
Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit author J. R. R. Tolkien was born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien on January 3, 1892. He was known to his family as Ronald. John came from his grandfather and great-grandfather, and Reuel was his father's middle name. By the age of 16, he'd lost both parents. A catholic priest, Father Francis Morgan, took over his upbringing.
The oldest conjoined twins ever (female) Masha and Dasha Krivoshlyapova were born January 3, 1950 in the Soviet Union and lived 53 years and 104 days. Masha and Dasha were a rare form of conjoined twins - two heads, four arms and two legs.
German race driver Michael Schumacher was born in Hürth, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany on January 3, 1969 to Rolf Schumacher, and his wife Elisabeth. When Schumacher was four, his father attached a motorcycle engine to his pedal kart. The contraption didn’t work so well and Michael crashed it into a lamp post, however he started getting interest in motor sport from that time.
For more January 3 anniversaries, including the patenting of the first paraffin-covered paper drinking straw, the incorporation of Apple Inc and the creation of the bitcoin cryptocurrency network, check out OnThatDay.
British Army officer James Wolfe was born at the local vicarage on January 2, 1727 at Westerham, Kent to Colonel (later Lieutenant General) Edward Wolfe, and the former Henrietta Thompson. James Wolfe first entered military service at age thirteen, when he joined his father's Marine regiment. He fought in the War of Austrian Succession and the Jacobite uprising, and after being promoted to Brigadier General, he played an important part in securing Great Britain's victory in the Seven Years War.
British Army officer James Wolfe was born at the local vicarage on January 2, 1727 at Westerham, Kent to Colonel (later Lieutenant General) Edward Wolfe, and the former Henrietta Thompson. James Wolfe first entered military service at age thirteen, when he joined his father's Marine regiment. He fought in the War of Austrian Succession and the Jacobite uprising, and after being promoted to Brigadier General, he played an important part in securing Great Britain's victory in the Seven Years War.
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Joseph
Highmore: Portrait of Major-General James Wolfe |
Isaac Asimov was born in Russia to a Jewish family on January 2, 1920. He was taken to the United States when he was three, and learnt English and Yiddish as his native languages. Asimov wrote or edited more than 500 books during his lifetime. He is best known for his science fiction novels, which have influenced science-fiction on television and in the cinema
For more January 2 anniversaries, including the marriage of Lord Byron to Annabella Milbanke, the premiere of Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman opera and the first Christian service broadcast on radio, check out OnThatDay.
Paul Revere was born on January 1, 1734. Revere acquired a reputation as a designer and maker of elegant silverware; his finely wrought tankards, bowls, and pitchers were much prized, and his tea sets served the Boston aristocracy for a century. However, he is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Paul Revere was born on January 1, 1734. Revere acquired a reputation as a designer and maker of elegant silverware; his finely wrought tankards, bowls, and pitchers were much prized, and his tea sets served the Boston aristocracy for a century. However, he is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord.
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| J S Copley - Paul Revere |
The author J. D. Salinger was born Jerome David Salinger in Manhattan, New York on January 1, 1919. While taking night classes at Columbia University, he met Whit Burnett, a professor who also edited magazine. Burnett told Salinger that his stories were skilful and accomplished, accepting The Young Folks, a vignette about several aimless youths, for publication in Story. His novel The Catcher in the Ryeabout a disaffected teenager named Holden Cauldfield was published in 1951 and became an immediate popular success.
For more January 1 anniversaries, including the creation of The City of Greater New York, the beginning of the Pentecostal movement and the marriage of Bill Gates to Melinda French check out OnThatDay.
Charles Edward Stuart (‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’), the second Jacobite pretender to the thrones of England, Scotland, France and Ireland was born in the Palazzo Muti, Rome on December 31, 1720. His father, Prince James Stuart the old pretender, had been given the residence by Pope Clement XI. Charles' grandfather was James II of England. Bonnie Prince Charlie is best remembered for his role in the 1745 rising; his defeat at Culloden in April 1746 effectively ended the Stuart cause.
Charles Edward Stuart (‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’), the second Jacobite pretender to the thrones of England, Scotland, France and Ireland was born in the Palazzo Muti, Rome on December 31, 1720. His father, Prince James Stuart the old pretender, had been given the residence by Pope Clement XI. Charles' grandfather was James II of England. Bonnie Prince Charlie is best remembered for his role in the 1745 rising; his defeat at Culloden in April 1746 effectively ended the Stuart cause.
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| Prince Charles Edward Stuart by Louis Tocqué |
Cosmetic pioneer Elizabeth Arden was born in Canada on December 31, 1881 where her parents had emigrated from Cornwall. Her real name was Florence Nightingale Graham. With her rival Helena Rubinstein, Arden made makeup acceptable to "respectable" American women, to whom Arden introduced eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick tinted to match their outfits.
For more December 31 anniversaries, including the first Time Square New Year's Eve Ball, the world’s first breath tests and the marriage of Gregory Peck to Greta Kukkonen, check out OnThatDay.
Author and poet Rudyard Kipling was born on December 30, 1865 in Bombay (now Mumbai), in British India. He was named after Rudyard Lake, a reservoir in Staffordshire in the English Midlands, which was the place where his parents first met. His most successful novel Kim (1901) has an Indian setting, as do his collection of short stories written for children, Jungle Book (1894). In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first English-language writer to receive the prize.
Author and poet Rudyard Kipling was born on December 30, 1865 in Bombay (now Mumbai), in British India. He was named after Rudyard Lake, a reservoir in Staffordshire in the English Midlands, which was the place where his parents first met. His most successful novel Kim (1901) has an Indian setting, as do his collection of short stories written for children, Jungle Book (1894). In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first English-language writer to receive the prize.
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| Kipling with his father circa 1890 |
Bill Haast, the director of the Miami Serpentarium Laboratories, was born on December 30, 1910. He founded the Miami Serpentarium in 1947, where he extracted venom from snakes in front of paying customers. Haast had been bitten 172 times by the time he reached the age of 97 and his blood was used to save 21 snakebite victims.
Chinese chemist and pharmacist Tu Youyou was born on December 30, 1930. Tu Youyou, a woman with no medical degree, anonymously found the cure for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 1977—38 years later, she was given the Nobel Prize. Tu says she was influenced by a traditional Chinese herbal medicine source,The Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergency Treatments, written in 340 by Ge Hong.
Tiger Woods was born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975 in Cypress, California, to Earl and Kultida "Tida" Woods. He was nicknamed "Tiger" by his father after an old Vietnam War friend called "Tiger" Vuong Dang Phong. Woods started playing golf aged two under the tutelage of his father, who was one of Kansas State University's first African-American college baseball players. The youngest player to complete the PGA Career Grand Slam, Woods has won 15 majors, including 5 Masters Tournaments.
For more December 30 anniversaries, including the marriages of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Godwin, Rutherford B. Hayes and Lucy Webb, John Philip Sousa and Jane van Middlesworth Bellis, Al Capone and Mary ("Mae") Coughlin and Angela Merkel and Joachim Sauer, check out OnThatDay.
Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh was born on December 29, 1766. In 1823 he came up with a method of producing waterproof cloth by binding together two layers of fabric with india rubber dissolved in naphtha. He used the waterproof cloth to make the first ever raincoats.
Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh was born on December 29, 1766. In 1823 he came up with a method of producing waterproof cloth by binding together two layers of fabric with india rubber dissolved in naphtha. He used the waterproof cloth to make the first ever raincoats.
Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 29, 1808, to town constable Jacob Johnson and Mary ("Polly") McDonough. The only U.S. president never to have gone to school, Andrew Johnson was later taught to read by his wife, Eliza McCardle Johnson. A Democrat, as president he was continually conflicting with the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868.
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| President Andrew Johnson |
William Gladstone was born on December 29, 1809 at 62 Rodney Street, Liverpool. He served for 12 years as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, spread over four terms beginning in 1868 and ending in 1894. Although Gladstone was born and brought up in Liverpool, and always retained a touch of Lancashire accent, he was of Scottish descent on both of his parents' sides.
For more December 29 anniversaries, including the installation of gas lighting in the White House, the last major conflict between U.S. military forces and Native Americans and the publication of James Joyce's novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, check out OnThatDay.
The 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, was born in Staunton, Virginia, on December 28, 1856. "Woodrow" was his middle name. His first name was Thomas. In 1885, he obtained a Ph.D. in history and political science at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Wilson was the only US President to hold a doctorate degree, making him the highest educated head of state in American history.
Elizabeth Carr, the first American test-tube baby, was born at 7:46 am on December 28, 1981. She came into this world two and a half years after the world’s first test tube baby, Oldham, England-born Louise Brown. Elizabeth was delivered at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces. She is now a journalist.
The 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, was born in Staunton, Virginia, on December 28, 1856. "Woodrow" was his middle name. His first name was Thomas. In 1885, he obtained a Ph.D. in history and political science at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Wilson was the only US President to hold a doctorate degree, making him the highest educated head of state in American history.
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| Wilson c. mid-1870s |
Elizabeth Carr, the first American test-tube baby, was born at 7:46 am on December 28, 1981. She came into this world two and a half years after the world’s first test tube baby, Oldham, England-born Louise Brown. Elizabeth was delivered at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces. She is now a journalist.
For more December 28 anniversaries, including the first astronomer to observe the planet Neptune, Iowa becoming the 29th US state and the first ice hockey player to score 8 points in one NHL game, check out OnThatDay.
German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, at the Free Imperial City of Weil der Stadt (50 miles west of Stuttgart). Johannes was introduced to astronomy at an early age, and observed at the age of six the Great Comet of 1577. Today Kepler is best known for his laws of planetary motion, his fundamental work in the field of optics, and his improved version of the refracting telescope.
German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, at the Free Imperial City of Weil der Stadt (50 miles west of Stuttgart). Johannes was introduced to astronomy at an early age, and observed at the age of six the Great Comet of 1577. Today Kepler is best known for his laws of planetary motion, his fundamental work in the field of optics, and his improved version of the refracting telescope.
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| Johannes Kepler |
Oscar Wilde's mother, Lady Jane Wilde, was born on December 27, 1821. A revolutionary poet under the pen name "Speranza" and authority on Celtic folklore, Lady Wilde read the Young Irelanders' poetry to Oscar and his brother Willie, inculcating a love of these poets in her sons. Oscar adored his mother, who was heartbroken when her son was imprisoned. She refused to leave her house and died when he was in jail.
French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur was born on December 27, 1822, in Dole, Jura, in the French Jura mountains. Louis' childhood was spent among the vineyard covered slopes of the Jura mountains. His chief interest and talent lay in painting and he also enjoyed fishing. Pasteur is remembered today for his breakthroughs in the causes and prevention of diseases, including the creation of the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax and his discoveries of the principles of microbial fermentation and pasteurization.
Marlene Dietrich was born on December 27, 1901 in Leberstrasse 65 on the Rote Insel in Schöneberg, now a district of Berlin, Germany. She is considered to have been the first German actress to become successful in Hollywood. Her big break came in 1930, when she was cast in The Blue Angel as Lola-Lola, a cabaret singer.
For more December 27 anniversaries, including the departure of The Beagle with Charles Darwin on board, the premiere of J.M. Barrie's play Peter Pan and the brightest extrasolar event known to have been witnessed on Earth, check out OnThatDay.
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, was born in Iesi, near Ancona, Italy on December 26, 1194 to the emperor Henry VI and forty-year-old Constance of Sicily. King of Sicily from 1198, King of Germany from 1212, King of Italy and Holy Roman Emperor from 1220, he spoke six languages (Latin, Sicilian, Middle High German, Langues d'oïl, Greek and Arabic. Frederick was an avid patron of science and the arts and is often considered the most cultured man of his age. He was also the first king to formally outlaw trial by ordeal, which had come to be viewed as superstitious.
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, was born in Iesi, near Ancona, Italy on December 26, 1194 to the emperor Henry VI and forty-year-old Constance of Sicily. King of Sicily from 1198, King of Germany from 1212, King of Italy and Holy Roman Emperor from 1220, he spoke six languages (Latin, Sicilian, Middle High German, Langues d'oïl, Greek and Arabic. Frederick was an avid patron of science and the arts and is often considered the most cultured man of his age. He was also the first king to formally outlaw trial by ordeal, which had come to be viewed as superstitious.
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| The birth of Frederick II |
Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893 in the village of Shaoshan village, in Xiangtan county, Hunan province. in South China. The eldest son of four children, his father, Mao Yichang, was a a grasping money lender and middle class peasant farmer who through hard work and peasant shrewdness had grown comparatively prosperous. The chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949, Mao Zedong's rule is estimated to have caused the deaths of approximately 70 million people.
For more December 26 anniversaries, including the first performance of Shakespeare's King Lear, the first ever inter-club football match and the debut of the world's first full-length feature movie, check out OnThatDay.
When the Roman Emperor Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken of the entire Roman world in around 5BC, a carpenter called Joseph was forced to register in his hometown of Bethlehem. He was accompanied by his young pregnant fiancé, Mary, whose baby had been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
When the Roman Emperor Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken of the entire Roman world in around 5BC, a carpenter called Joseph was forced to register in his hometown of Bethlehem. He was accompanied by his young pregnant fiancé, Mary, whose baby had been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
The baby was named Jesus meaning "Yahweh is salvation". He was born inauspiciously in a cave in Bethlehem thus fulfilling a prophecy in the Jewish sacred book of Micah, and laid in an animal's feeding trough. Although the month and date of Jesus' birth are unknown, the church in the early fourth century fixed the date as December 25.
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| "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622 Wikipedia Commons |
Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day, December 25. 1642. Isaac was born at Woolsthorpe House, near the hamlet of Colstenworth in Lincolnshire. He was born prematurely. Isaac wasn't expected to live beyond a few hours, but proved everyone wrong in style. One of the most influential scientists of all time, Newton formulated the three basic laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. Newton also made seminal contributions to optics, and shares credit for developing the infinitesimal calculus.
American nurse and humanitarian Clara Barton was born on December 25, 1821. Clara Barton was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War. She later became involved with the International Red Cross while visiting Europe. In 1881 she founded the American Red Cross. She was noteworthy for doing humanitarian work at a time when relatively few women worked outside the home.
For more December 25 births, including William Wordsworth's sister Dorothy, cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein and Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart, check out OnThatDay.
King John of England was born on December 24, 1167 at Beaumont Palace, which had been built outside the north gate of Oxford to serve as a royal palace conveniently close to the royal hunting-lodge at Woodstock. John was born to Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was his father's favorite son, though as the youngest, he could expect no inheritance (hence his nickname, "Lackland"). However, the deaths of his older brothers left John in a position to become King of England.
King John of England was born on December 24, 1167 at Beaumont Palace, which had been built outside the north gate of Oxford to serve as a royal palace conveniently close to the royal hunting-lodge at Woodstock. John was born to Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was his father's favorite son, though as the youngest, he could expect no inheritance (hence his nickname, "Lackland"). However, the deaths of his older brothers left John in a position to become King of England.
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| King John Wikipedia |
American filmmaker, businessman and pilot Howard Hughes was born in Humble, Texas on December 24, 1905 to a rich family, As a boy, Howard showed an ability to build things with wires and scraps of metal He first became prominent as a film producer, and then as an influential figure in the aviation industry. Hughes spent the last ten years of his life as a recluse living in hotels in many cities, always taking up residence in the top floor penthouse.
For more December 24 anniversaries, including the founding of Nashville, the marriage of Sir Walter Scott to Charlotte Margaret Carpenter and the first performance of "Silent Night." check out OnThatDay.
Alexander I, the Emperor of Russia, reigned from 1801 to 1825. Born Aleksandr Pavlovich on December 23, 1777 in Saint Petersburg, he was the eldest son of Tsar Paul I and Empress Maria Feodorovna (née Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg).
Joseph Smith Jr, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born on December 23, 1805. The son of a Vermont farmer, Joseph Smith, Jr claimed that at the age of 14, while praying in a wooded area near his home, he was confronted by two heavenly messengers. The angels told Smith not to join any existing churches because all taught incorrect doctrines. The true church, he was informed, is not yet present on earth.
Spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666. When his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in 1675, Gobind Singh was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs at the age of nine. Sikhism took on a distinct identity in 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh's other notable contributions to Sikhism also include introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.
Alexander I, the Emperor of Russia, reigned from 1801 to 1825. Born Aleksandr Pavlovich on December 23, 1777 in Saint Petersburg, he was the eldest son of Tsar Paul I and Empress Maria Feodorovna (née Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg).
Alexander's reign was marked by a period of significant social and political reform. He implemented measures to improve the condition of serfs, a class of enslaved people within the Russian Empire. These reforms, though limited in scope, represented a shift towards a more humane treatment of this oppressed population.
American entrepreneur and philanthropist Sarah Breedlove, known as Madam C. J. Walker, was born on December 23, 1867. Madam C. J. Walker is regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a successful line of beauty and hair products for black women under the company she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.
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| Madame CJ Walker |
For more December 23 anniversaries, including the UK’s first beauty contest, Bell Lab's secret demonstration of the transistor and the first successful kidney transplants between living patients check out OnThatDay.
Spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666. When his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in 1675, Gobind Singh was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs at the age of nine. Sikhism took on a distinct identity in 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh's other notable contributions to Sikhism also include introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.
Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was born on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Tuscany, one of nine children. The heads of his family for four generations had been professional musicians and Giacomo was chosen to carry on the Puccini musical tradition. Considered second only to Giuseppe Verdi as an Italian opera composer in his day. Puccini's most renowned works are La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (1924).
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| Giacomo Puccini |
A baby gorilla named Colo entered the world at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio on December 22, 1956 becoming the first-ever gorilla born in captivity. Her name was a combination of Columbus and Ohio. Weighing in at approximately 4 pounds, Colo, a western lowland gorilla, was the daughter of Millie and Mac, two gorillas captured in French Cameroon, who were brought to the Columbus Zoo in 1951.
For more December 22 anniversaries, including Fred Astaire's first big screen dance with Ginger Rogers, the opening of the Lincoln Tunnel and the marriage of Madonna to film director Guy Ritchie check out OnThatDay.
Saint Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, London on December 21, 1119 (or 1120 according to later tradition.) He came from relatively humble origins, his father, Gilbert Beckett, meaning "Little Beak", was part of a Norman family of knights, who originally came from Rouen in France. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170.
Saint Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, London on December 21, 1119 (or 1120 according to later tradition.) He came from relatively humble origins, his father, Gilbert Beckett, meaning "Little Beak", was part of a Norman family of knights, who originally came from Rouen in France. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170.
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| 14th-century depiction of Becket with King Henry II Wikipedia Commons |
Benjamin Disraeli was born on December 21, 1804 at 22 Theobalds Road, London. His family was a prosperous Sephardic family connected in the London literary world. Before attaining political power, he wrote a number of novels, of which the best known are the romances, Sybil and Vivian Grey. Disraeli twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, defining its policies and its broad outreach.
The actress Jane Fonda was born December 21, 1937. She is the daughter of Henry Fonda, the sister of Peter Fonda and aunt of Bridget Fonda - all of whom were/are actors. Fonda won the Academy Award for Best Actress twice in the 1970s; Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978). Her other memorable film roles include Cat Ballou, Barefoot in the Park, Julia, The China Syndrome and On Golden Pond. She is also known for vocalizing her opposition to the Vietnam war and her Jane Fonda's Workout video series.
Chinese opera singer and spy, Shi Pei Pu, was born on December 21, 1938. He masqueraded as a woman and used a 20 year long sexual affair with a French diplomat to steal intelligence. Pu even purchased a child and convinced the diplomat it was his.
For more December 21 anniversaries, including the invention of basketball, the discovery of radium and the first human voice to be transmitted by radio, check out OnThatDay.
The English music hall star Dan Leno was born on December 20, 1860. He was best known for his dame roles in the annual pantomimes that were popular at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, from 1888 to 1904. He was paid £200 for each of the pantomime seasons. Leno later became known as ‘the King’s Jester’ after entertaining Edward VII at Sandringham.
The English music hall star Dan Leno was born on December 20, 1860. He was best known for his dame roles in the annual pantomimes that were popular at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, from 1888 to 1904. He was paid £200 for each of the pantomime seasons. Leno later became known as ‘the King’s Jester’ after entertaining Edward VII at Sandringham.
Maria Skobtsova was born Elizaveta Pilenko on December 20, 1891 in Riga, Latvia, then part of the Russian Empire. A Russian noblewoman, poet and nun, Mother Maria devoted her life to the poor. As a member of the French Resistance during World War II, her convent became a haven for persecuted Jewish women and children. Money poured in to help them to flee from France and hundreds escaped. She died in the terrible Ravensbruck concentration camp and was canonized a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
For more December 20 anniversaries, including the death of Martin Luther's wife Katharina von Bora, the publication of Grimm's Fairy Tales and the release of It's a Wonderful Life, check out OnThatDay.
Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, the eldest child of Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, was born at Versailles December 19, 1778. Marie-Antoinette was forced to endure the humiliation of a public birth in her Bedchamber, in front of hundreds of courtiers. The Queen actually passed out through a combination of embarrassment and pain. It was the last time such a ritual was permitted as Marie-Antoinette refused to give birth in public ever again. Marie Thérèse was allowed to leave France once the Terror was over, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday and she lived to the age of 72.
Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, the eldest child of Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, was born at Versailles December 19, 1778. Marie-Antoinette was forced to endure the humiliation of a public birth in her Bedchamber, in front of hundreds of courtiers. The Queen actually passed out through a combination of embarrassment and pain. It was the last time such a ritual was permitted as Marie-Antoinette refused to give birth in public ever again. Marie Thérèse was allowed to leave France once the Terror was over, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday and she lived to the age of 72.
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| Marie-Thérèse in Vienna in 1796 |
Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was born on December 19, 1906 in Kamenskoe (now Dniprodzerzhynsk in Ukraine), to metalworker Ilya Yakovlevich Brezhnev and his wife, Natalia Denisovna. At different times during his life, Brezhnev specified his ethnic origin alternately as either Ukrainian or Russian, opting for the latter as he rose within the Communist Party. His eighteen-year term as as General Secretary of the governing Communist Party was second only to that of Joseph Stalin in duration.
For more December 19 anniversaries, including the first photograph of the Moon through a telescope, the launch of BBC's World Service and the release of James Cameron's Titanic movie, check out OnThatDay.
Charles Wesley was born on December 18, 1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, where his father was rector. He was born several weeks before his time and appeared more dead than alive but was carefully wrapped in warm wool. Charles' father Samuel was a poet and he passed on his poetic gifts to his son. Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns, more than any other male. (Fanny Crosby wrote 8000). It is said Methodism was born in song and Charles was the chief songwriter.
Charles Wesley was born on December 18, 1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, where his father was rector. He was born several weeks before his time and appeared more dead than alive but was carefully wrapped in warm wool. Charles' father Samuel was a poet and he passed on his poetic gifts to his son. Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns, more than any other male. (Fanny Crosby wrote 8000). It is said Methodism was born in song and Charles was the chief songwriter.
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| Portrait by John Russell |
Joseph Stalin was born Ioseb Jughashvili on December 18, 1879 at Gory near Tbilisi in Georgia. He later adopted the name "Stalin" meaning "Man of Steel" which Lenin had given him. Ioseb's father, Besarion "Beso" Jughashvili, was a drunkard Georgian shoemaker who beat his son. One of Stalin's friends from childhood wrote, "Those undeserved and fearful beatings made the boy as hard and heartless as his father."
For more December 18 birthdays, including the English clown Joseph Grimaldi, the movie director Steven Spielberg , and the actor Brad Pitt, check out OnThatDay.
The philosopher Émilie Du Châtelet was born on December 17, 1706. When she was twenty-seven, married, and the mother of three children she began a sixteen-year liaison with the Enlightenment writer Voltaire. "I found, in 1733, a young woman who thought as I did," Voltaire wrote in his memoirs of the Divine Emilie, "and who decided to spend several years in the country, cultivating her mind."
The philosopher Émilie Du Châtelet was born on December 17, 1706. When she was twenty-seven, married, and the mother of three children she began a sixteen-year liaison with the Enlightenment writer Voltaire. "I found, in 1733, a young woman who thought as I did," Voltaire wrote in his memoirs of the Divine Emilie, "and who decided to spend several years in the country, cultivating her mind."
William Floyd, one of the men of the First Continental Congress and signer of the Constitution of the United States of America, was born in Brookhaven, Long Island, on December 17, 1734. The William Floyd Parkway is named after him.
Chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy was born in Penzance, Cornwall on December 17, 1778 to a wood carver and small farmer father. A keen naturalist as a boy he was encouraged to take up science by Davies Goddy, a figure of local importance who gave the boy the run of his lab. He is best remembered today for isolating, a series of elements for the first time, including sodium potassium, calcium and magnesium. as well as discovering the elemental nature of chlorine and iodine. He also invented the Davy Lamp, which was used in coal mines because it was a safer alternative to previous mine lamps.
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| Sir Humphry Davy, Bt, by Thomas Phillips (died 1845). |
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Flores, a barrio of Buenos Aires in Argentina. He was born to Italian immigrant parents - railway worker Mario Bergoglio and his wife, Regina. He earned a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires before deciding to follow his religious vocation, In March 1958 Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus in Cordoba as a novice. Pope Francis took over as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church over Benedict XVI in March 2013.
For more December 17 anniversaries, including the excommunication of King Henry VIII of England, the sale of the first bowler hat and the debut of The Simpsons, check out OnThatDay
There is no actual record of Ludwig Van Beethoven's birth. He is traditionally assumed to have been born on December 16, 1770 because his baptism was recorded as taking place in a Roman Catholic service at the Parish of St. Regius on the following day, but the real natal date and hour are unknown.
For more December 16 anniversaries, including the completion by Felix Mendelsson of his The Hebrides Overture, the marriage of Benito Mussolini and Rachele Guidi and the first song to be sung in space, check out OnThatDay.
The Roman emperor Nero was born in December 15, 37 in Antium (modern Anzio and Nettuno), near Rome. He was the only son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina. When he was 11 his mother married the emperor Claudius. Following the death of his adoptive father, Claudius, Nero became Emperor aged 17. During his reign, he persecuted and killed Christians and was accused of setting fire to the city of Rome to provide space for his grand palace.
There is no actual record of Ludwig Van Beethoven's birth. He is traditionally assumed to have been born on December 16, 1770 because his baptism was recorded as taking place in a Roman Catholic service at the Parish of St. Regius on the following day, but the real natal date and hour are unknown.
Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 at Steventon rectory. Jane's father, Rev George Austen was an educated gentlemanly parson of moderate means, who was the vicar at Steventon for over 40 years. Jane was modest about her education, saying: “I think I may boast myself to be, with all possible vanity, the most unlearned and uninformed female who ever dared to be an authoress.” However her six published novels are popular today not only for their romantic storylines, but also for their biting irony, realism, humor, and social commentary.
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| Watercolour-and-pencil portrait of Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen (1773-1845) - Wikipedia |
For more December 16 anniversaries, including the completion by Felix Mendelsson of his The Hebrides Overture, the marriage of Benito Mussolini and Rachele Guidi and the first song to be sung in space, check out OnThatDay.
The Roman emperor Nero was born in December 15, 37 in Antium (modern Anzio and Nettuno), near Rome. He was the only son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina. When he was 11 his mother married the emperor Claudius. Following the death of his adoptive father, Claudius, Nero became Emperor aged 17. During his reign, he persecuted and killed Christians and was accused of setting fire to the city of Rome to provide space for his grand palace.
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| Nero and Agrippina. Agrippina crowns her young son Nero with a laurel wreath |
For more December 15 anniversaries, including the first organized speedway, the first soft landing on another planet by a spacecraft and the reopening of The Leaning Tower of Pisa check out OnThatDay.
Michel de Nostradame (Latinised as Nostradamus) was born on December 14, 1503 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence, France. After the death of Nostradamus' wife and two children, he became interested in the occult. He started to produce an annual almanac, the first being published in 1550. They were published two or three times each year and taken together, these almanacs contain at least 6,338 predictions.
Michel de Nostradame (Latinised as Nostradamus) was born on December 14, 1503 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence, France. After the death of Nostradamus' wife and two children, he became interested in the occult. He started to produce an annual almanac, the first being published in 1550. They were published two or three times each year and taken together, these almanacs contain at least 6,338 predictions.
The astronomer Tycho Brahe was born at his family's ancestral seat of Knutstorp Castle near Svalöv in then Danish Scania on December 14, 1546. His discovery and report of the 1572 supernova brought him recognition. Brahe was the last great naked eye astronomer, in the days before telescopes, making the most accurate measurements of the positions of stars and planets. His accurate observations of the planets enabled Johannes Kepler to prove that planets orbit the Sun in ellipses.
George VI of the UK was born Albert Windsor at York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on December 14, 1895. His father was Prince George, Duke of York (later King George V) and his mother the Duchess of York (later Queen Mary,). He took the throne after his older brother Edward defied royal protocol by marrying an American divorcee and ruled from 1936 until 1952. George's popularity soared during World War II when he was seen as sharing the hardships of the common people.
For more December 14 anniversaries, including Alabama becoming the 22nd U.S. state, the death of Prince Albert and Roald Amundsen's team becoming the first to reach the South Pole, check out OnThatDay.
Henry IV of France was born on December 13, 1553 in Pau, a city on the northern edge of the Pyrenees, in SW France. His parents were Queen Joan III of Navarre and her consort, Antoine de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, King of Navarre. He was the first monarch of France from the House of Bourbon, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty. "Good King Henry" (le bon roi Henri) was remembered for his geniality and his great concern about the welfare of his subjects.
Henry IV of France was born on December 13, 1553 in Pau, a city on the northern edge of the Pyrenees, in SW France. His parents were Queen Joan III of Navarre and her consort, Antoine de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, King of Navarre. He was the first monarch of France from the House of Bourbon, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty. "Good King Henry" (le bon roi Henri) was remembered for his geniality and his great concern about the welfare of his subjects.
German electrical engineer Werner von Siemens was born in Lenthe, in the Kingdom of Hanover in the German Confederation, on December 13, 1816. He founded Siemens Halske with Johann Georg Halske in 1847. In 1848, the company built the first long-distance telegraph line in Europe; 500 km from Berlin to Frankfurt am Main. The company has been known as Siemens since 1966 and is today the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe.
The boxer Archie Moore was born on December 13, 1916. He was the longest reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion of all time at nine years, four months and 24 days (December 1952 – May 1962). Moore also had one of the longest professional careers in the history of the sport, fighting professionally for almost 30 years.
The singer Taylor Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1989 to Scott, a financial adviser, and Andrea, a former mutual fund marketing executive. She was named after musician James Taylor. Swift's mother believed that a gender-neutral name would help forge a business career. Taylor Swift's maternal grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, was a professional opera singer, and inspired Taylor to become a singer.
For more December 13 anniversaries, including the founding of Europe's first national bank, the highest scoring game in NBA history and the marriage of Margaret and Dennis Thatcher, check out OnThatDay.
Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915, in an upstairs tenement at 415 Monroe Street in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the only child of Italian immigrants. Francis weighed 13 pounds and 7oz when he was born in 1915 - almost double the average of a newborn. Francis was so big he suffered scars to his ear and the side of his face from the forceps used to help deliver him. He began his career by singing swing music with Tommy Dorsey and became one of the 20th century's most popular and influential musical artists.
Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915, in an upstairs tenement at 415 Monroe Street in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the only child of Italian immigrants. Francis weighed 13 pounds and 7oz when he was born in 1915 - almost double the average of a newborn. Francis was so big he suffered scars to his ear and the side of his face from the forceps used to help deliver him. He began his career by singing swing music with Tommy Dorsey and became one of the 20th century's most popular and influential musical artists.
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| Sinatra in Pal Joey (1957) |
The English playwright John Osborne was born on December 12, 1929. Osborne made his name with Look Back in Anger (1956), which proved a landmark in the history of the British theatre and a major contribution to the image of the Angry Young Man.
For more December 12 anniversaries, including the debut of the first cartoon with speech bubbles, production of Saab's first car and the marriage of Princess Anne to Timothy Laurence, check out OnThatDay.
Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster was born on December 11, 1781. In 1817 he invented the kaleidoscope, an optical toy where the user sees many beautiful, colorful patterns. The word "kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek kalos, "beautiful, beauty", eidos, "that which is seen: form, shape" and skope, "to look to, to examine."
American astronomer Annie Jump Cannon was born December 11, 1863. She manually classified more stars in a lifetime than anyone else, around 350,000 stars. Cannon could classify a single star, fully, in approximately 20 seconds. and used a magnifying glass for the majority of the (faint) stars.
Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster was born on December 11, 1781. In 1817 he invented the kaleidoscope, an optical toy where the user sees many beautiful, colorful patterns. The word "kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek kalos, "beautiful, beauty", eidos, "that which is seen: form, shape" and skope, "to look to, to examine."
French composer Hector Berlioz was born in La Cote-St-Andre, in the French Alps, on December 11, 1803. His father, a prosperous physician with a love for music, invited many music masters to settle in the town so the boy would be exposed to a rich musical environment. He learned the basics of composition as well as to play the flute and guitar. His best known works include Symphonie fantastique and the Requiem. Treatise on Instrumentation, Berlioz's 1843 book on modern instrumentation and orchestration became a standard reference work.
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| The young Berlioz |
For more December 11 anniversaries, including The Siege of Maarat, Indiana becoming the 19th U.S. state, and the opening for service of the world's longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel, check out OnThatDay.
Augusta Ada King-Noel, Countess of Lovelace was born on December 10, 1815. She was the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron and his wife Anne Isabella Milbanke. Lovelace is chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She is often described as the world's first computer programmer.
Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830 at the family's homestead in Amherst, Massachusetts into a prominent, but not wealthy, family. Emily's Amherst Academy principal later recalled that Dickinson was "very bright" and "an excellent scholar, of exemplary deportment, faithful in all school duties.” A reclusive, she wrote close to eighteen hundred poems of which only ten were published during her relatively short lifetime. Many of them deal with the theme of mortality.
Augusta Ada King-Noel, Countess of Lovelace was born on December 10, 1815. She was the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron and his wife Anne Isabella Milbanke. Lovelace is chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She is often described as the world's first computer programmer.
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| Watercolor portrait of Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (Ada Lovelace) |
Scottish doctor Alexander Wood was born on December 10, 1817. He invented in 1853 a hypodermic syringe with a needle fine enough to pierce the skin. Wood's innovation allowed drugs to be administered intravenously without the patient's skin having to be cut first. It is said he found inspiration in the sting of a honeybee.
For more December 10 anniversaries, including the marriage of George Sand to François Casimir Dudevant, the installation of the world's first traffic light system and the first commercial hybrid car, check out OnThatDay.
English poet and philosopher John Milton was born in Bread Street, London, on December 9, 1608, the son of John Milton senior and his wife, Sarah Jeffrey. His father - who contributed a collection of madrigals in honor of Elizabeth I - encouraged his son's ambitions; John jnr was writing poetry by the age of ten. Milton published his blank verse masterpiece, , in 1667 after he'd lost his sight. His other works include Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes.
English poet and philosopher John Milton was born in Bread Street, London, on December 9, 1608, the son of John Milton senior and his wife, Sarah Jeffrey. His father - who contributed a collection of madrigals in honor of Elizabeth I - encouraged his son's ambitions; John jnr was writing poetry by the age of ten. Milton published his blank verse masterpiece, , in 1667 after he'd lost his sight. His other works include Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes.
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| John Milton at age 10 by Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen |
Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates fitness system, was born on December 9, 1883. Pilates was a German working in England when World War 1 broke out. While interned in a prison camp (Knockaloe) on the Isle of Man, he developed a method of exercise prisoners could perform in confined space using just their own body weight. The fitness system now known as Pilates is practiced worldwide.
Clarence Birdseye was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 9, 1886. An American inventor, entrepreneur, and naturalist, he invented and perfecting a system of packing fresh food into waxed cardboard boxes and flash-freezing under high pressure. In 1924 Clarence Birdseye organized his own company, Birdseye Seafoods, Inc. This was the beginning of the frozen foods industry.
Lorraine Collett, Sun-Maid's famous mascot, was born on December 9, 1892. In 1915 a raisin company executive spotted a teenage girl called Lorraine Collett drying her curly brown hair and wearing her mother's red bonnet in the backyard of her family's home. They hired her for a stunt promotion that had her dropping raisins from an airplane. Soon Collett became the company's first mascot called, "Sun Maid."
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| Original painting of Collett as the Sun-Maid Girl, ca. 1915 |
For more December 9 anniversaries, including the establishment of New York City's first daily newspaper, the first mixed race US state governor and Coronation Street's debut episode. check out OnThatDay.
Mary Queen of Scots was born on December 8, 1542 at Linlithglow Palace near Falkirk, Scotland during a cold winter. She was born to James V, King of Scotland, and his French second wife, Mary of Guise. Mary was said to have been born prematurely and was the only legitimate child of James to survive him. The six-day-old Mary became the Queen of Scotland on the death of her father.
Mary Queen of Scots was born on December 8, 1542 at Linlithglow Palace near Falkirk, Scotland during a cold winter. She was born to James V, King of Scotland, and his French second wife, Mary of Guise. Mary was said to have been born prematurely and was the only legitimate child of James to survive him. The six-day-old Mary became the Queen of Scotland on the death of her father.
Mary spent most of her childhood in France while Scotland was ruled by regents. In 1558, she married the Dauphin of France, Francis(later Francis II). Following his death she married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and after his death she married James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. After the Scottish nobles rose in rebellion, Mary was forced to abdicate in favor of her son was James VI (later James I. of England). Mary fled to England where her cousin, Elizabeth I of England, had her tried and executed for treason.
For more December 8 anniversaries, including Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech, the adoption of the Flag of Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, check out OnThatDay.
Saint Columba was born to Fedlimid and Eithne of the Cenel Conaill in Gartan, near Lough Gartan, in modern County Donegal, in Ireland on December 7, 521. The Apostle to the Picts left his homeland in 563 in his small rowing boat with twelve companions in order to evangelize the northern tribes in Britain. He is credited with spreading Christianity in what is today Scotland.
Saint Columba was born to Fedlimid and Eithne of the Cenel Conaill in Gartan, near Lough Gartan, in modern County Donegal, in Ireland on December 7, 521. The Apostle to the Picts left his homeland in 563 in his small rowing boat with twelve companions in order to evangelize the northern tribes in Britain. He is credited with spreading Christianity in what is today Scotland.
Richard W Sears, co-founder of Sears, was born on December 7, 1863. One of the oldest operating retail operations in America. began by accident in 1886 when railroad station agent Richard W. Sears received a box of watches by mistake. He began selling the timepieces to his colleagues in Redwood Falls, Minnesota before branching out into mail order catalogs.
English author Anne Fine was born on December 7, 1947. Fine started writing novels in 1971 when, at home with her first baby, a snowstorm stopped her going to the local library. She is best known for her 1987 satirical novel Madame Doubtfire, which Twentieth Century Fox filmed as Mrs. Doubtfire.
For more December 7 anniversaries, including The Great Storm of 1703 making landfall, the first television commercial and the first use of Instant Replay check out OnThatDay.
Henry VI of England was born on December 6, 1421 at Windsor Castle. He succeeded to the throne as King of England the day after his father's death, Henry V, on September 1, 1422 at the age of nine months. He was the youngest person ever to be the English monarch. Until 1437, his realm was governed by regents.
Henry VI of England was born on December 6, 1421 at Windsor Castle. He succeeded to the throne as King of England the day after his father's death, Henry V, on September 1, 1422 at the age of nine months. He was the youngest person ever to be the English monarch. Until 1437, his realm was governed by regents.
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| Wikipedia Commons |
French chemist Nicolas LeBlanc was born on December 6, 1742. He devised in about 1790 of a process for manufacturing soda ash from brine (a form of salt), which transformed soapmaking from a handicraft to an industry. LeBlanc devised his method of producing soda ash to win a prize offered by the French Academy of Sciences, but the Revolutionary government merely granted him a patent.
For more December 6 anniversaries, including the first edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, the first gramophone recording, and the first licensed taxi cabs check out OnThatDay.
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782. The 8th President of the United States, Van Buren was the first president to be born as a citizen of the United States and the first president not of British or Scots-Irish ancestry (he came from Dutch stock).
Civil War and Indian Wars commander George Armstrong Custer was born in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio on December 5, 1839. Custer was ranked 34th out of 34 in his West Point United States military Academy graduating class.
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782. The 8th President of the United States, Van Buren was the first president to be born as a citizen of the United States and the first president not of British or Scots-Irish ancestry (he came from Dutch stock).
Civil War and Indian Wars commander George Armstrong Custer was born in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio on December 5, 1839. Custer was ranked 34th out of 34 in his West Point United States military Academy graduating class.
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| Cadet George Armstrong "Autie" Custer, ca. 1859 Wikipedia Commons |
Walt Disney was born in Hermosa, Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. Disney became interested in personalizing animals' characters after carelessly killing a small owl as a young boy. He felt guilty and vowed never again to kill a living creature.
For more December 5 anniversaries, including the first man killed by a train, the end of prohibition and the first cloned primates, check out OnThatDay.
Edith Cavell was born on December 4, 1865 in Swardeston, a village near Norwich, where her father was vicar for 45 years. Throughout her life her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed help. At the outbreak of World War I, she was running a clinic and nursing school in Brussels, Belgium. Following the German occupation, Cavell began sheltering British soldiers and funneling them out to the neutral Netherlands.
Edith Cavell was born on December 4, 1865 in Swardeston, a village near Norwich, where her father was vicar for 45 years. Throughout her life her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed help. At the outbreak of World War I, she was running a clinic and nursing school in Brussels, Belgium. Following the German occupation, Cavell began sheltering British soldiers and funneling them out to the neutral Netherlands.
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Edith Cavell in a garden in Brussels with her two dogs before the outbreak of war |
Cavell was arrested by the Germans and charged with harboring Allied soldiers. Cavell was executed by a German firing squad on October 12, 1915.
For more December 4 anniversaries, including the election of the only English Pope, the world's first Sunday newspaper and the publication of Wuthering Heights, check out OnThatDay.
English inventor and pioneer of the spinning industry Samuel Crompton was born on December 3, 1753. Building on the work of James Hargreaves and Richard Arkwright he invented the spinning mule, which transformed spinning from a hand-operated cottage industry to the machine-operated factory process of today. The mule was the most common spinning machine from 1790 until about 1900 and was still used for fine yarns until the early 1980s.
Joseph Conrad was born on December 3, 1857 in Berdychiv, in a part of Ukraine that was at the time of his birth under Russian rule. He became a naturalized British subject in 1886. Conrad is famous for his novels Lord Jim, Nostromo, Heart Of Darkness and The Secret Agent and has been described as ‘one of the greatest English novelists’.
English inventor and pioneer of the spinning industry Samuel Crompton was born on December 3, 1753. Building on the work of James Hargreaves and Richard Arkwright he invented the spinning mule, which transformed spinning from a hand-operated cottage industry to the machine-operated factory process of today. The mule was the most common spinning machine from 1790 until about 1900 and was still used for fine yarns until the early 1980s.
Joseph Conrad was born on December 3, 1857 in Berdychiv, in a part of Ukraine that was at the time of his birth under Russian rule. He became a naturalized British subject in 1886. Conrad is famous for his novels Lord Jim, Nostromo, Heart Of Darkness and The Secret Agent and has been described as ‘one of the greatest English novelists’.
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| Joseph Conrad |
For more December 3 anniversaries, including Illinois becoming the 21st U.S. state, the first demonstration of neon lighting, and the first successful human heart transplant, check out OnThatDay.
Charles T Studd was born on December 2, 1860. An outstanding cricketer, he represented England in international matches against Australia before serving as a missionary in China, India and Africa. Studd founded in 1913 the Heart of Africa Mission, which later became the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade, (now called WEC International) a mission that currently has over 1,800 workers evangelizing throughout the world.
Maria Callas was born Sophia Cecelia Kalos at Flower Hospital (now the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center), at 1249 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on December 2, 1923 to Greek parents. Blessed with a soprano voice of fine range and a gift for dramatic expression, Callas was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.
Charles T Studd was born on December 2, 1860. An outstanding cricketer, he represented England in international matches against Australia before serving as a missionary in China, India and Africa. Studd founded in 1913 the Heart of Africa Mission, which later became the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade, (now called WEC International) a mission that currently has over 1,800 workers evangelizing throughout the world.
Maria Callas was born Sophia Cecelia Kalos at Flower Hospital (now the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center), at 1249 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on December 2, 1923 to Greek parents. Blessed with a soprano voice of fine range and a gift for dramatic expression, Callas was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.
For more December 2 anniversaries, including the consecration of the new St Paul's Cathedral, the opening of New York City's LaGuardia Airport and the first recipient of a permanent artificial heart, check out OnThatDay.
Actor, director and screenwriter Woody Allen was born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in the Bronx, New York City, on December 1, 1935. As a boy growing up in Brooklyn, Woody spent most of his time alone in his room practicing magic tricks or playing his clarinet. Although depicting himself as nerd in his movies, Woody was a popular student and adept baseball and basketball player at high school. His most celebrated films as a director include Annie Hall,Manhattan and Hannah and Her Sisters.
Actor, director and screenwriter Woody Allen was born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in the Bronx, New York City, on December 1, 1935. As a boy growing up in Brooklyn, Woody spent most of his time alone in his room practicing magic tricks or playing his clarinet. Although depicting himself as nerd in his movies, Woody was a popular student and adept baseball and basketball player at high school. His most celebrated films as a director include Annie Hall,Manhattan and Hannah and Her Sisters.
The comedian Richard Pryor was born in Peoria, Illinois on December 1, 1940, where his family ran a brothel. Richard’s father, LeRoy Pryor, was a notoriously violent pimp and his mother, Gertrude, was a prostitute who periodically dropped out of his life for long stretches. It was Richard's nan Marie Carter, who served as his main guardian and caretaker. Known for his cutting-edge and often controversial stand-up material, Pryor was listed at number one on Comedy Central's list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians.
For more December 1 anniversaries, including the first American drive-in automobile service gas station, the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the premiere of the longest movie ever made check out OnThatDay.
Anglo-Irish satirist and cleric Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667 in Dublin, Ireland. He was the second child and only son of Jonathan Swift and his wife Abigail Erick (or Herrick). Jonathan was born seven months after his father's death from syphilis. The author of the satirical Gulliver's Travels, he also served as Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
American novelist Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832 in Germantown, which is now part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Louisa grew up in the company of her father's friends, the essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson and the naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Emerson said prophetically of young Louisa Alcott's early attempts to write. "She is a natural source of stories... she is and is to be the poet of children."
Anglo-Irish satirist and cleric Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667 in Dublin, Ireland. He was the second child and only son of Jonathan Swift and his wife Abigail Erick (or Herrick). Jonathan was born seven months after his father's death from syphilis. The author of the satirical Gulliver's Travels, he also served as Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
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| Portrait by Charles Jervas |
The religious philosopher John Toland was born in Ardagh on the Inishowen Peninsula in northwestern Ireland on November 30, 1670. Toland was one of the pioneers of the deist movement, the predominant philosophy of the Anglican Church in the late 17th and pre Wesley 18th century.
American humorist and writer Mark Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835 in Florida, a small town in Missouri. His storekeeper father John Marshall Clemens died of pleurisy when Samuel was 12 leaving many debts. After his father died Samuel was so full of remorse for his naughtiness during his father's lifetime that it worried his mother..
British prime minister and writer Winston Churchill was born two months prematurely on November 30, 1874, in a bedroom in Blenheim Palace, the 21,000 acre estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Winston's birth was caused by his mother slipping and falling while out walking at the property.
The shortest man on record, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, was born on November 30, 1939. A primordial dwarf from Nepal, he stood at just 54.6 cm (1 ft 9 1⁄2 in) shorter than five cans of Coke stacked on top of each other.
For more November 30th anniversaries, including the first country to ban capital punishment, the first-ever international football match, and the release of Michael Jackson's Thriller album check out
OnThatDay.
American novelist Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832 in Germantown, which is now part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Louisa grew up in the company of her father's friends, the essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson and the naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Emerson said prophetically of young Louisa Alcott's early attempts to write. "She is a natural source of stories... she is and is to be the poet of children."
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| Louisa May Alcott |
British academic and writer Clive Staples Lewis (better known as C.S. Lewis) was born in Belfast, Ireland, on November 29, 1898. When Lewis was seven, his family moved into "Little Lea." A 3-storey house with an acre and half of garden on the outskirts of Belfast A hand carved wardrobe in one of the upstairs rooms at Little Lea became the inspiration for The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe.
Emma Morano was an Italian supercentenarian who was born on November 29, 1899. Prior to her death on April 15, 2017, she was the last living person to have been verified as being born in the 1800s. When asked about the secret of her longevity, Morano said that she had never used drugs, ate three eggs a day, drank a glass of homemade brandy, and enjoyed a chocolate sometimes, but, above all, she thought positively about the future.
For more November 29th anniversaries, including the founding of San Jose, California, the marriage of Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, to Helen Palmer and the world's first regular half-hour televised sitcom, check out OnThatDay.
John Bunyan was born on November 28, 1628 at Harrowden, one mile east of Elstow near Bedford. His father was a tinker (A person who makes and mends pots and kettles). Bunyan followed his father into the tinkering business. A puritan preacher, Bunyan wrote over 60 published works, including books, tracts and even children's poetry. He is best remembered as the author of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress, which has been translated in over 200 languages. By 1692, four years after the author's death, an estimated 100,000 copies had been printed in England.
John Bunyan was born on November 28, 1628 at Harrowden, one mile east of Elstow near Bedford. His father was a tinker (A person who makes and mends pots and kettles). Bunyan followed his father into the tinkering business. A puritan preacher, Bunyan wrote over 60 published works, including books, tracts and even children's poetry. He is best remembered as the author of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress, which has been translated in over 200 languages. By 1692, four years after the author's death, an estimated 100,000 copies had been printed in England.
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| John Bunyan by Thomas Sadler 1684 |
The poet, painter and printmaker William Blake was born at 28 Broad Street (now Broadwick St) in the Soho district of London on November 28, 1757. A visionary from early childhood, once he told his parents he had seen a tree full of angels and the prophet Ezekiel, which angered his father who thought his son a liar. Largely unknown during his lifetime, Blake is now considered a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age.
Edwin Pearce Christy, the founder of the Christy Minstrels show, was born on November 28, 1815. Christy is credited with creating many of the features of the classic minstrel show - the white-faced Mr. Interlocutor, the end men, Tambo and Bones, and the semi-circle of black face musicians.
The German philosopher Friedrich Engels, was born on November 28, 1820. As a young man, Engels was sent by his father to Manchester, England in a vain attempt to calm his ‘liberal ideas.’ Engels first met his fellow socialist Karl Marx at the Café de la Régence in Paris in 1844. Together, they produced many influential papers that criticized capitalism and laid the foundation for Marxism, including The Communist Manifesto in 1848.
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| Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels |
Helen Magill White, the first American female student to earn a PhD, was born on November 28, 1853. Raised by a Quaker father who believed she should have the same education as her brothers, Helen attended Boston University, where in 1877, she earned a doctorate in Greek. Her thesis "The Greek Drama" was discovered at Cornell in 2018.
For more November 28th anniversaries, including the marriage of George Stephenson and Anne Henderson, first official automobile race in America and Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball, check out OnThatDay.
Born in Seattle, Washington on November 27, 1942, rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix was primarily of African American descent, with Irish and Cherokee ancestors. He started his musical career by playing a simple kitchen broom, before finding his first proper instrument, a one-stringed ukulele, while clearing trash from a woman's home. Hendrix began playing the guitar at the age of 15 after acquiring his first acoustic guitar, for $5.
Born in Seattle, Washington on November 27, 1942, rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix was primarily of African American descent, with Irish and Cherokee ancestors. He started his musical career by playing a simple kitchen broom, before finding his first proper instrument, a one-stringed ukulele, while clearing trash from a woman's home. Hendrix began playing the guitar at the age of 15 after acquiring his first acoustic guitar, for $5.
Despite being entirely self-taught, he became one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music; Rolling Stone Magazine gave Hendrix the title of Most Important Guitarist of All-Time.
For more November 27th anniversaries, including first Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the first woman to play major professional basketball, and Tom Hanks' big break check out OnThatDay.
Massachusetts clergyman and teaching elder John Harvard was born on November 26, 1607 in Southwark, Surrey, England. In the spring or summer of 1637, Harvard emigrated to New England. When he died of tuberculosis the following year, he bequeathed £780 (half of his monetary estate) together with his library of some 400 volumes to the recently founded and unnamed school in nearby Cambridge. The school named itself Harvard College in 1639 in his honor.
Massachusetts clergyman and teaching elder John Harvard was born on November 26, 1607 in Southwark, Surrey, England. In the spring or summer of 1637, Harvard emigrated to New England. When he died of tuberculosis the following year, he bequeathed £780 (half of his monetary estate) together with his library of some 400 volumes to the recently founded and unnamed school in nearby Cambridge. The school named itself Harvard College in 1639 in his honor.
American engineer Willis Carrier was born on November 26, 1876. Carrier invented the first electric air conditioning unit in 1902 after he was commissioned to come up with the design by a printing company whose work was being wrecked by humidity in the factory. The installation marked the birth of air conditioning because of the addition of humidity control.
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| Carrier in 1915 |
Entrepreneur Karan Bilimoria was born in Hyderabad, India on November 26, 1961. At the age of 27, Bilimoria founded Cobra Beer in a little flat in Fulham, London. While a student at Cambridge, Bilmoria had noticed regular lager was too gassy and ale too bitter to go with curry in the city’s Indian restaurants. He came up with a concept in 1989 for a beer designed to accompany food – in particular, Indian food and curry.
For more November 26th anniversaries, including the marriage of Nicholas II of Russia and Princess Alexandra, the premiere of the film Casablanca, and the sale of the first instant Polaroid cameras, check out OnThatDay.
Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835 in a Dunfermline weavers cottage in Scotland. Carnegie came over to the USA as a boy, where he got a job as a steel factory worker. In 1892 he created the Carnegie Steel Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When he retired, Carnegie used his large amounts of money to fund schools, libraries and universities.
Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835 in a Dunfermline weavers cottage in Scotland. Carnegie came over to the USA as a boy, where he got a job as a steel factory worker. In 1892 he created the Carnegie Steel Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When he retired, Carnegie used his large amounts of money to fund schools, libraries and universities.
Carrie Amelia Nation, the radical teetotaler was born on November 25, 1846. Nation was an imposing 6ft tall 175 lb figure, who dressed like a deaconess. Her alcoholic first husband had left Carrie with an abiding hatred for liquor and saloons and she embarked on a crusade touring America saloons where she berated customers and tried to damage as much of the places as she could with her hatchet.
Fish food manufacturer Albert P. Halfhill was born in Ohio on November 25, 1847. Halfhill originated the idea of removing the natural fish oil of tuna and substituting it with a vegetable oil before cooking it with compressed hot steam to produce a desirable food. Halfhill is considered the father of the tuna packing industry and was the first to use the slogan "chicken of the sea" as a sales gimmick.
Pope John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in a stone farm house on November 25, 1881 in Sotto il Monte, a small country village 40 miles from Milan. His father was a sharecropper who had saved enough money to buy a plot of his own. "Italians come to ruin most generally three times - women, gambling and farming," Roncalli later said. "My family chose the slowest one." Head of the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963, his pontificate is best known for his calling the historic Second Vatican Council (1962–1965).
For more November 25th anniversaries, including the first parking summons in Britain, the presentation by Einstein of his equations of general relativity, and the opening of the longest running West End show, check out OnThatDay.
Abbé Charles-Michel de l-Épée, the "Father of the Deaf", was born on November 24, 1712 in Versailles, France. In 1620, the Spanish priest Juan Pablo Bonet wrote a text about teaching deaf people to speak, using gestures as a tool. The sign language created by Bonet was used by Abbé Charles-Michel de l-Épée to create a finger-spelling alphabet in the 18th century. This alphabet has changed very little since then, and is still used today in France and North America.
Abbé Charles-Michel de l-Épée, the "Father of the Deaf", was born on November 24, 1712 in Versailles, France. In 1620, the Spanish priest Juan Pablo Bonet wrote a text about teaching deaf people to speak, using gestures as a tool. The sign language created by Bonet was used by Abbé Charles-Michel de l-Épée to create a finger-spelling alphabet in the 18th century. This alphabet has changed very little since then, and is still used today in France and North America.
The serial killer Ted Bundy was born on November 24, 1946 in Burlington, Vermont. He was a law student who is believed to have killed at least 36 females, both adults and children, during the 1970s. Convicted in 1979 on several charges, including the murder of a 12-year-old girl, Bundy was sentenced to death. He was executed in Florida in 1989 after a string of unsuccessful appeals.
The cricketer Ian Botham was born on November 24, 1955. His famous play during the 1981 Ashes series between England and Australia becoming known as Botham’s Ashes. On the 4th day of the Headingley Test, England was predicted to lose by the Bookies at an odds of 500-1. They came back to win the match after Botham's innings of 149 not-out.
For more November 24th anniversaries, including the first Lutheran pastor ordained in the US, the marriage of Richard Wagner to Minna Planer, and the death of Freddie Mercury, check out OnThatDay.
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. His father, Benjamin was a prominent state legislator, farmer, and tavern-keeper, who later became governor of New Hampshire. As president, he faced criticism for being a Northerner who sympathized with the South. His support of the Kansas–Nebraska Act and enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act did little to dispel this reputation, and his time in office is regarded to have led to the Civil War. Many view him as one of the worst US presidents ever.
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Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was born on November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. His father, Benjamin was a prominent state legislator, farmer, and tavern-keeper, who later became governor of New Hampshire. As president, he faced criticism for being a Northerner who sympathized with the South. His support of the Kansas–Nebraska Act and enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act did little to dispel this reputation, and his time in office is regarded to have led to the Civil War. Many view him as one of the worst US presidents ever.
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The Western outlaw William H. "Billy the Kid" Bonney was born in New York City on November 23, 1859. Bonney moved west with his family to Indiana and then New Mexico. He was arrested for the first time for stealing a basket of laundry six days after his 16th birthday. Bonney's notoriety grew in December 1880 when the Las Vegas Gazette in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and The Sun in New York City carried stories about his crimes. He was shot dead at age twenty-one by sheriff Pat Garrett.
For more November 23rd anniversaries, including the development of the first machine for manufacturing horseshoes, the first man to reach a depth of 100 m (330 ft) undersea without breathing equipment and the introduction of the first smartphone, check out OnThatDay.
Abigail Adams, USA's second First Lady, was born on November 22, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to Elizabeth and Reverend William Smith, a Congregationalist minister. She is remembered for the many letters she wrote to her husband, John Adams, while he stayed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Continental Congresses.
Abigail Adams, USA's second First Lady, was born on November 22, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to Elizabeth and Reverend William Smith, a Congregationalist minister. She is remembered for the many letters she wrote to her husband, John Adams, while he stayed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Continental Congresses.
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| Portrait of Adams by Benjamin Blyth, 1766 |
Thomas Cook was born on November 22, 1808 at 9 Quick Close in the village of Melbourne, Derbyshire, England. The founder of the travel agency Thomas Cook & Son, he organized his first international tour in 1855, taking two groups on a 'grand circular tour' of of Belgium, Germany and France, ending in Paris for the Exhibition.
English novelist Mary Ann Evans, known by her pen name George Eliot, was born on November 22, 1819 at Gaff House, Chilvers Coton, a micro-metropolis near Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Her novels portrayed rural Victorian society, particularly its intellectual hypocrisy, with realism and irony. Though highly esteemed by critics in her day, Eliot's novels had tiny print runs compared with popular writers such as Dickens.
Tennis star Boris Becker was born on November 22, 1967 in Leimen, Germany, the only son of Elvira and Karl-Heinz Becker. Karl-Heinz Becker, an architect, designed the tennis center where Becker and Steffi Graf played against each other as children. Boris Becker became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon's men's singles title in 1985. He is also the youngest men's Wimbledon champ in history (at age 17 years, 7 months).
South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was born to Henke and Sheila Pistorius on November 22, 1986 in Sandton, Johannesburg, in what was then Transvaal Province (now Gauteng Province) of South Africa. He had his lower legs amputated at the age of 11 months, having been born without a fibula in either leg. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Pistorius became the first double-leg amputee to compete in the Olympics, after a long legal battle.
For more November 22nd anniversaries, including the killing of the pirate Blackbeard, the debut of Ravel's Boléro, and the first interracial kiss on US TV, check out OnThatDay.
John Bale was born on November 21, 1495. A one-time Carmelite monk, he became a playwright, who in 1538 wrote a drama, King Johan, which is considered the first English historical play. Of his mysteries and miracle plays only five have been preserved.
John Bale was born on November 21, 1495. A one-time Carmelite monk, he became a playwright, who in 1538 wrote a drama, King Johan, which is considered the first English historical play. Of his mysteries and miracle plays only five have been preserved.
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| John Bale |
The French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet in Paris on November 21, 1694 to Parisian attorney François Arouet and Marie-Marguerite Daumart or D'Aumard. He became known for his wit and his satirization of intolerance and religious dogma. Voltaire was a nom de plume. an anagram of Arovet L(e) I(eune), the Latinized spelling of his surname. He adopted the name after his first spell in prison in 1718.
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert's first child, named Victoria, was born on November 21, 1840. Eight more children would be born during the exceptionally happy marriage between the royal couple (four sons and five daughters).
For more November 21st anniversaries, including the first manned balloon flight, the opening of the USA's first bowl-shaped stadium, and the swearing in of the first female US Senator, check out OnThatDay.
The astronomer Edwin Hubble was born on November 20, 1889. Hubble's name is most recognized for the Hubble Space Telescope, which was named in his honor. His proof that there are entire galaxies outside our own changed the scientific view of the universe.
The astronomer Edwin Hubble was born on November 20, 1889. Hubble's name is most recognized for the Hubble Space Telescope, which was named in his honor. His proof that there are entire galaxies outside our own changed the scientific view of the universe.
Joe Biden Jr. was born November 20, 1942, at St. Mary's Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden (née Finnegan) and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. A member of the Democratic Party, Biden was first sworn in as a Delaware Senator aged 30 which made him the sixth-youngest Senator to ever hold office. He served as a United States senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
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| Official portrait, 2021 |
Biden served as the 47th vice president for two terms under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.; He defeated incumbent president Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
For more November 20th anniversaries, including the War of Jenkins' Ear, the premiere of Beethoven's only opera, and the introduction of Windows 1.0, check out OnThatDay.
Charles I of England was born in Dunfermline Palace, Fife, on November 19, 1600, the second son of King James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark.
Charles I of England was born in Dunfermline Palace, Fife, on November 19, 1600, the second son of King James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark.
James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was born in Orange Township, now Moreland Hills, Ohio, on November 19, 1831.
Billy Sunday was born on November 19, 1862 in Story County, Iowa.. During the early 20th century Sunday was America's most famous evangelist with his colloquial sermons and frenetic delivery.
Calvin Klein was born to an immigrant Jewish family in The Bronx, New York on November 19, 1942. In 1968, he launched the company that later became Calvin Klein. In addition to clothing, he has also given his name to a range of perfumes, watches, and jewellery.
Jodie Foster was born in Los Angeles on November 19, 1962. She starred in five feature films in total in 1976 (including Taxi Driver, and Bugsy Malone), winning two Baftas, an Oscar nomination, and countless other awards.
For more November 19th anniversaries, including Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, Pelé's 1,000th goal and the first Kindle, check out OnThatDay.
Dramatist and librettist William Schwenck Gilbert was born on November 18, 1836, in London. As a toddler, Gilbert was kidnapped by bandits in Naples during a family holiday in 1839. The men convinced the child’s nurse they’d come to take him to his parents. He was returned after they paid a £25 ransom. He is best known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan, which produced fourteen comic operettas which include The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance.
Dramatist and librettist William Schwenck Gilbert was born on November 18, 1836, in London. As a toddler, Gilbert was kidnapped by bandits in Naples during a family holiday in 1839. The men convinced the child’s nurse they’d come to take him to his parents. He was returned after they paid a £25 ransom. He is best known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan, which produced fourteen comic operettas which include The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance.
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| Gilbert in 1878 |
For more November 18th anniversaries, including Christopher Columbus first sighting the island now known as Puerto Rico, the first cabaret, and the first US TV sitcom check out OnThatDay.
Confectioner and inventor of canning, Nicolas Appert, was born in Châlons-en-Champagne, France on November 17, 1749. In 1795 Napoleon Bonaparte who at the time was in charge of the French army of the interior, offered a prize for a practical way of preserving food for his marching army. On hearing of this potential reward, Nicholas-Francois Appert, a maker of conserves of fruit started experimenting with cooking food in open kettles, then sealing food into glass jars using waxed cork bungs, wired into place. The jars were then heated by submersion in boiling water for varying lengths of time. Using this method he succeeded in preserving dairy products, fruits, jellies, juices, marmalades and vegetables and claimed the 12, 000 franc prize.
Confectioner and inventor of canning, Nicolas Appert, was born in Châlons-en-Champagne, France on November 17, 1749. In 1795 Napoleon Bonaparte who at the time was in charge of the French army of the interior, offered a prize for a practical way of preserving food for his marching army. On hearing of this potential reward, Nicholas-Francois Appert, a maker of conserves of fruit started experimenting with cooking food in open kettles, then sealing food into glass jars using waxed cork bungs, wired into place. The jars were then heated by submersion in boiling water for varying lengths of time. Using this method he succeeded in preserving dairy products, fruits, jellies, juices, marmalades and vegetables and claimed the 12, 000 franc prize.
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| Nicolas Appert |
Appert published a book,Art de Conserver, in 1810, which generously made his preservation process available to all. This was the first cookbook of its kind on modern food preservation method.
Appert's method was so simple that it quickly became widespread. Because of this he is known as the "father of canning."
For more November 17th anniversaries, including the inauguration of The Suez Canal, the enthroning of the Dalai Lama, and the marriage of Lyndon Baines Johnson to Claudia Alta Taylor, check out OnThatDay.
William Christopher Handy, commonly known as W.C. Handy, was an American blues composer and musician, born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues" due to his significant contributions to the genre.
Handy was a skilled composer, bandleader, and cornet player. He played a crucial role in popularizing the blues by incorporating it into mainstream music. Handy was classically trained but became deeply influenced by the African American folk music he encountered, particularly the blues.
France-Albert René, who was the President of Seychelles from 1977 to 2004 was born on November 16, 1934. He is known by government officials and party members as "the Boss." René ruled as sole leader under a socialist one-party system until 1993, when he was forced to introduce a multi-party system. He stepped down in 2004 in favor of his vice-president, James Michel.
The astronomer William Herschel was born on November 15, 1738 in the Electorate of Hanover in Germany, part of the Holy Roman Empire. He came to England as a refugee in 1757, in the aftermath of the French victory in the Seven Years War. His discovery of the planet Uranus, was a spectacular triumph, and soon every astronomer in Europe had heard of William Herschel. During his career, he constructed more than four hundred telescopes and discovered infrared radiation and two of Uranus' major moons.
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For more November 15th anniversaries, including the first stock ticker, the founding of Rolex and the issuing of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence, check out OnThatDay.
The founder of French Impressionist painting, Claude Monet, was born on November 14, 1840 in Paris. to wholesale grocer Claude Adolphe Monet and singer Louise Justine Aubrée Monet. Though he was baptized as Oscar-Claude, his parents called him simply Oscar. Monet was obsessed with the optical effects of light and color. He aimed to emphasis the impression the painting intended to convey rather than its detail. He carried his original fragmented technique to the final extreme with paintings such as Water Lilies.
William Christopher Handy, commonly known as W.C. Handy, was an American blues composer and musician, born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues" due to his significant contributions to the genre.
Handy was a skilled composer, bandleader, and cornet player. He played a crucial role in popularizing the blues by incorporating it into mainstream music. Handy was classically trained but became deeply influenced by the African American folk music he encountered, particularly the blues.
One of his most famous compositions is the song "St. Louis Blues," which became a seminal piece in the blues genre. Other notable compositions include "Memphis Blues" and "Beale Street Blues." These works helped to shape the blues and contributed to its recognition as a distinct and influential musical form.
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| France-Albert René By Joe Laurence / Seychelles News Agency |
For more November 16th anniversaries, including Frédéric Chopin's last public concert, the admission of Oklahoma as the 46th U.S. state. and the marriage of Serena Williams to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, check out OnThatDay.
The astronomer William Herschel was born on November 15, 1738 in the Electorate of Hanover in Germany, part of the Holy Roman Empire. He came to England as a refugee in 1757, in the aftermath of the French victory in the Seven Years War. His discovery of the planet Uranus, was a spectacular triumph, and soon every astronomer in Europe had heard of William Herschel. During his career, he constructed more than four hundred telescopes and discovered infrared radiation and two of Uranus' major moons.
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| 1785 portrait by Lemuel Francis Abbott |
German polyglot Emil Krebs was born on November 15, 1867. Krebs mastered 68 languages in speech and writing - including Mandarin and all those spoken in today’s European Union - and studied 120 other languages. His private library contained the Bible in 61 different languages. After Krebs died, his brain was recovered and is still kept as an ‘elite brain’ at the Vogt Institute for Brain Research at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf.
American modernist artist Georgia O'Keeffe was born on November 15, 1887, the daughter of dairy farmers. She was named after her mother's father, George Victor Totto, a Hungarian count. O'Keefe, who was best known for her giant paintings of flowers, holds the record for the most expensive painting by a female artist sold at auction. Her 1932 work Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 (see below) made $44,405,000 at Sotheby’s in New York in 2014.
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ABBA's Anni-Frid Lyngstad was born in the Norwegian village of Bjørkåsen on November 15, 1945 to a Norwegian mother and German soldier father — the result of a Nazi project to ‘enrich’ the Aryan gene pool. Her mother and grandmother were branded as traitors and ostracised in their home village in Norway, and were forced to flee to Sweden. She had moderate success as a singer in Sweden, but did not reach international fame until she joined ABBA, which has sold over 150 million albums and singles worldwide.
The founder of French Impressionist painting, Claude Monet, was born on November 14, 1840 in Paris. to wholesale grocer Claude Adolphe Monet and singer Louise Justine Aubrée Monet. Though he was baptized as Oscar-Claude, his parents called him simply Oscar. Monet was obsessed with the optical effects of light and color. He aimed to emphasis the impression the painting intended to convey rather than its detail. He carried his original fragmented technique to the final extreme with paintings such as Water Lilies.
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| Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge 1897-99 |
King Charles III of the United Kingdom, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born at Buckingham Palace at 9.14pm on November 14, 1948. When the one-month-old Prince Charles was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Buckingham Palace, the water used was from the River Jordan. He was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, having been next-in-line since 1952. When he became the UK monarch, Charles III was the oldest person ever to ascend the throne.
For more November 14th anniversaries, including the first ever labor strike in history, the first lighthouse built on a rock in the open sea and the marriage of Princess Anne to Captain Mark Phillips, check out OnThatDay.
Bishop and theologian Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, 354 in the municipium of Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria) in Roman Africa. Augustine admitted in his autobiography Confessions, that as a boy he "told lies to my tutors, my masters and my parents all for the love of games and the craving for stage shows." Young Augustine also stole pears from a neighbor's tree, and the sin troubled him for the rest of his life. Below is the earliest known portrait of Saint Augustine in a 6th-century fresco, Lateran, Rome.
Bishop and theologian Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, 354 in the municipium of Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria) in Roman Africa. Augustine admitted in his autobiography Confessions, that as a boy he "told lies to my tutors, my masters and my parents all for the love of games and the craving for stage shows." Young Augustine also stole pears from a neighbor's tree, and the sin troubled him for the rest of his life. Below is the earliest known portrait of Saint Augustine in a 6th-century fresco, Lateran, Rome.
Edward III of England was born at Windsor Castle on November 13, 1312. His mother was Queen Isabella of France, his father Edward II. He transformed the Kingdom of England into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe.
British statesman John Montagu, The Fourth Earl of Sandwich, was born on November 13, 1718. Montagu was a notorious gambler, often going from pub to pub in London on gambling marathons. To satisfy his hunger, while continuing to gamble, he ordered roast beef between pieces of bread for a snack while he was at the gaming tables; it allowed him to keep one hand free to play while he ate. This became known as the "sandwich".
English music educator Sarah Ann Glover was born on November 13. 1785. Glover's father was Curate of St Laurence's Church, Norwich, England, and she developed the Norwich sol-fa learning system to aid teachers with a cappella singing. The Norwich sol-fa system, which was concerned with making relationships aurally apparent, changed "si" to "ti" so that every syllable might begin with a different letter.
Robert Louis Stevenson was born the only son of Thomas Stevenson, and his wife Margaret Isabella on November 13, 1850, at 8 Howard Place in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is best known for his classic works such as Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped.
For more November 13th birthdays, including The Russian premiere of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto in B Flat, the premiere of Fantasia and the first man-made snow check out OnThatDay.
The Russian composer Alexander Borodin was born in Saint Petersburg on November 12, 1833. He was the illegitimate son of Prince Luka Spanovich Gedianov, an elderly nobleman, and the beautiful and intelligent 24-year-old Avdotya Konstantinova Antonova. To save any public embarrassment, he was registered under the name of one of the Prince’s serfs, Pofiry Borodin. Although best known today as a romantic composer, Borodin was one of the foremost chemists of his time, being particularly noted for his work on aldehydes.
The Russian composer Alexander Borodin was born in Saint Petersburg on November 12, 1833. He was the illegitimate son of Prince Luka Spanovich Gedianov, an elderly nobleman, and the beautiful and intelligent 24-year-old Avdotya Konstantinova Antonova. To save any public embarrassment, he was registered under the name of one of the Prince’s serfs, Pofiry Borodin. Although best known today as a romantic composer, Borodin was one of the foremost chemists of his time, being particularly noted for his work on aldehydes.
The French Auguste Rodin was born on November 12, 1840. Rodin is best known for creating one of the most recognized of all sculptures, The Thinker, in 1889. The most renowned European sculptor of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, he remains one of the few sculptors widely known outside the visual arts community.
The actress Grace Kelly was born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father, John B. Kelly Sr, owned a successful brickwork contracting company and she was brought up in the family home in the East Falls district of Philadelphia. She made four all time classic Hollywood movies, including three by Alfred Hitchock: Dial M for Murder, Rear Window and To Catch a Thief. Grace Kelly gave up her acting career aged 26 when she married Prince Rainier III and became Princess of Monaco.
The actor Ryan Gosling was born on November 12, 1980. He was born at the same hospital in London, Ontario as the pop star Justin Bieber and co-star Rachel McAdams. A Mickey Mouse Club child actor. he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in the romantic musical La La Land (2016). He has also starred in the films The Notebook, DriveCrazy, Stupid, Love and First Man.
For more November 12th anniversaries, including the marriage of Philip II of Spain to his cousin, Maria Manuela of Portugal, the UK Conservative party's first annual conference and the opening of Abbey Road studios, check out OnThatDay.
The second of seven children in Moscow, Fydor Dostoyevsky was born at the Mariinsky Hospital for the Poor in Moscow on November 11, 1821 where his father was an army doctor. Fyodor's cruel and despotic father, Mikhail, was a military surgeon in a Moscow hospital and also a musician. Dostoyevsky's literary works engage with a variety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed works include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880).
Leonardo DiCaprio was born in Hollywood, California on November 11, 1974. Leonardo's name derives from his legal secretary German-born mother Irmalin's having experienced a sudden kick from her unborn boy while standing in front of a da Vinci painting in Italy. As an actor, DiCaprio achieved international stardom in the epic romance Titanic, and later became a favorite of Martin Scorsese, starring in the director's films including Gangs of New York, The Aviator and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Martin Luther was born to Hans Luder and his wife Margarethe (née Lindemann) on November 10, 1483. He entered this world at the back of a stall at Eisleben market. in Eisleben, Saxony, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. Luther was baptized as a Catholic the next morning on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours after whom he was named. In 1517 Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation when he criticized the Catholic Church's sale of indulgence in his 95 theses, which he nailed to the door of a Wittenburg church.
The second of seven children in Moscow, Fydor Dostoyevsky was born at the Mariinsky Hospital for the Poor in Moscow on November 11, 1821 where his father was an army doctor. Fyodor's cruel and despotic father, Mikhail, was a military surgeon in a Moscow hospital and also a musician. Dostoyevsky's literary works engage with a variety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed works include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880).
Benito Mussolini's father Alessandro was born on November 11, 1854. He was a socialist blacksmith, who bored his customers with his relentless propaganda. Mussolini named his son Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini after three leaders he admired: Benito Juárez, Amilcare Cipriani, and Andrea Costa. The two were close and Alessandro taught his son about revolutionary leaders he admired such as Karl Marx.
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| Alessandro Mussolini |
George Smith Patton Jr. was born on November 11, 1885 in San Gabriel, California, to a wealthy family, George Smith Patton Sr. and his wife Ruth Wilson. George's early years were marred by difficulties in spelling and reading, which has led some historians to speculate that he suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. As a US general, Patton led a succession of victorious attacks in the Mediterranean theater and in France and Germany after the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.
According to James Bond's authorized biography, the fictional Secret Service agent was born on November 11, 1920. The son of Andrew Bond and Monique Delacroix, James Bond’s father was Andrew Bond, a Scottish businessman. His mother was Monique Delacroix, from Switzerland. Both of his parents were killed in a mountain climbing accident during a holiday in the French Alps when he was only 11. He was educated at Eton, like his creator Ian Fleming.
Kim Peek, who was the inspiration for the autistic savant character Raymond Babbitt in the movie, Rain Man was born on November 11, 1951. He could read both pages of an open book at once, one page with one eye and the other page with the other eye. Peek memorized the words in the 12,000 books he finished.
Leonardo DiCaprio was born in Hollywood, California on November 11, 1974. Leonardo's name derives from his legal secretary German-born mother Irmalin's having experienced a sudden kick from her unborn boy while standing in front of a da Vinci painting in Italy. As an actor, DiCaprio achieved international stardom in the epic romance Titanic, and later became a favorite of Martin Scorsese, starring in the director's films including Gangs of New York, The Aviator and The Wolf of Wall Street.
For more November 11th anniversaries, including the marriage of US president James Garfield to Lucretia Rudolph, release of Billie Holiday's first hit and the start of the Dust Bowl era, check out .
OnThatDay.
Martin Luther was born to Hans Luder and his wife Margarethe (née Lindemann) on November 10, 1483. He entered this world at the back of a stall at Eisleben market. in Eisleben, Saxony, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. Luther was baptized as a Catholic the next morning on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours after whom he was named. In 1517 Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation when he criticized the Catholic Church's sale of indulgence in his 95 theses, which he nailed to the door of a Wittenburg church.
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| A posthumous portrait of Luther as an Augustinian friar |
George II of Great Britain was born on November 10, 1683 in the city of Hanover in Germany. He was the son of George Louis, Hereditary Prince of Brunswick-Lüneburg (later King George I of Great Britain), and his wife, Sophia Dorothea of Celle. He was the last British monarch born outside the British Isles. King of Great Britain from 1727 until his death in 1760, George II was the last British monarch to command his troops in battle, at the Battle of Dettingen in June 1743.
For more November 10th anniversaries, including the patenting of the windscreen wiper, the marriage of Rita Hayworth to Orson Welles and the premiere of Sesame Street, check out OnThatDay.
Isabella of Valois was born on November 9, 1389. She became Britain's youngest ever queen consort when aged 6 she became the second spouse of King Richard II of England. The wedding was a move for peace with France. Queen Isabella reportedly had a close platonic relationship with her husband and was heartbroken when he died five years after their marriage. Six years after becoming a widow, Queen Isabella married her cousin Charles, Duke of Orléans. Isabella died in childbirth at the age of 19, leaving one daughter, Joan.
Isabella of Valois was born on November 9, 1389. She became Britain's youngest ever queen consort when aged 6 she became the second spouse of King Richard II of England. The wedding was a move for peace with France. Queen Isabella reportedly had a close platonic relationship with her husband and was heartbroken when he died five years after their marriage. Six years after becoming a widow, Queen Isabella married her cousin Charles, Duke of Orléans. Isabella died in childbirth at the age of 19, leaving one daughter, Joan.
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| Isabella of Valois |
Edward VII of the United Kingdom was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. He was born at 10:48 in the morning on November 9, 1841 in Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria dumped the newly born baby in the arms of a wet nurse and did not look at him again for six weeks. He was known as Bertie to the family throughout his life, but his reputation as a playboy prince soured his relationship with his mother. He was King of the United Kingdom from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910.
For more November 9th anniversaries, including The Mayflower sighting land at Cape Cod, the last victim of Jack the Ripper and the first sitting U.S. President to make an official trip outside of the United States, check out OnThatDay.
Bram Stoker, the inventor of the Dracula character, was born on November 8, 1847 at 15 Marino Crescent, Clontarf, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. The manager of the actor Sir Henry Irving's London's Lyceum Theatre, Stoker began writing in his spare time. He was inspired by a trip to Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast in 1890 to write his vampire fantasy novel. Stoker never visited Transylvania; he simply read travel books for details about the country.
Bram Stoker, the inventor of the Dracula character, was born on November 8, 1847 at 15 Marino Crescent, Clontarf, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. The manager of the actor Sir Henry Irving's London's Lyceum Theatre, Stoker began writing in his spare time. He was inspired by a trip to Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast in 1890 to write his vampire fantasy novel. Stoker never visited Transylvania; he simply read travel books for details about the country.
English comedian Ken Dodd was born on November 8, 1927 in Knotty Ash, Liverpool. He was the second of three children of a coal merchant, Arthur Dodd, and wife Sarah (née Gray). Ken Dodd kept a ‘giggle map’ of Britain to record which jokes go down best in which parts of the country. He set in 1967 a world record for the longest joke-telling session, telling 1,500 jokes in three and a half hours.
For more November 8th anniversaries, including the death of John Milton, the patenting of Nikola Tesla's radio controlled boat and the election of the youngest ever US president, check out OnThatDay.
English explorer Captain James Cook was born in Marton, (in present-day Middlesbrough) on November 7, 1728. His father, James Cook, was an agricultural laborer who eventually became a bailiff and landowner. At the age of 16, Cook was apprenticed to Mr William Sanderson a grocer and haberdasher in the fishing village of Staithes. According to tradition, it is during his time there that Cook first felt the lure of the sea while gazing out the shop window.
English explorer Captain James Cook was born in Marton, (in present-day Middlesbrough) on November 7, 1728. His father, James Cook, was an agricultural laborer who eventually became a bailiff and landowner. At the age of 16, Cook was apprenticed to Mr William Sanderson a grocer and haberdasher in the fishing village of Staithes. According to tradition, it is during his time there that Cook first felt the lure of the sea while gazing out the shop window.