Happy Birthday July 8

German general Ferdinand von Zeppelin was born July 8, 1838 in Konstanz, Grand Duchy of Baden. On retiring from the army in 1891, von Zeppelin devoted himself to the study of aeronautics, and his first airship was built and tested in 1900. During World War I a number of Zeppelin airships were employed in bombing England: they were also used for passenger transport. 

The American oil industry business magnate John D Rockefeller was born in Richford, New York on July 8, 1839. He was America's first-ever billionaire (not even including inflation) and is widely considered the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history. Rockefeller amassed his fortune from the Standard Oil company, of which he was a founder, chairman and major shareholder.

John D. Rockefeller

For more July 8 anniversaries, including Vasco da Gama setting sail on the first direct European voyage to India. the Battle of Poltava, the marriage of Warren G Harding and Florence DeWolfe and the last bare knuckle heavyweight title boxing bout check out OnThatDay.