Happy Birthday November 4

William III of England was born in The Hague in the Dutch Republic on November 4, 1650. He was the only child of William II, Prince of Orange and Mary, the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England. Eight days before he was born, his father died from smallpox meaning William became the Sovereign Prince of Orange at the moment of his birth. In 1688, William invaded England in what became known as the Glorious Revolution, deposing his Catholic uncle and father-in-law, James II. He ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland as King William III until his death in 1702. 

Portrait attributed to Thomas Murray, c. 1690

Robert L. "Bob" Douglas, the founder of The New York Renaissance basketball team was born on November 4, 1882. Nicknamed the "Father of Black Professional Basketball", Douglas owned and coached the Rens from 1923 to 1949, guiding them to a 2,318-381 record. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor on February 5, 1972, the first African American to be enshrined.

Ruth Handler, creator of the Barbie Doll, was born on November 4, 1916. The idea for the Barbie doll came about after Mattel toy partner Ruth Handler watched her daughter, Barbara, cut dolls out of magazines and carefully choose clothes and accessories to clothe them in. All other dolls on the market at the time were baby dolls, but Ruth realized there was enormous potential in a doll with adult features, allowing children to act out their dreams.

American broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri on November 4, 1916. The term ‘anchor’, a central and authoritative news presenter, was coined to describe his coverage of the 1952 presidential election. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll.

For more November 4th anniversaries, including the patenting of the cash register, the publication of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation Of Dreams and the first African American to be elected president of the United States, check out OnThatDay