Smith, Mike
b. December 6, 1943 d. February 28, 2008
Musician. A native of London, he was best known as the lead singer and keyboardist for the 1960s British rock band The Dave Clark Five. Formed in Tottenham, England, the group had top ten hits with "Glad All Over", "Bits And Pieces", "Because", "Can't You See That She's Mine", "I Like It Like That", and was the subject of John Boorman's documentary "Catch Us If You Can" (1965). They disbanded in 1970.
Brown, Daniel Russell
b. March 28, 1848 d. February 28, 1919
Rhode Island Governor. A successful businessman and banker, he was elected to the Providence, Rhode Island City Council when he was only 24 years of age. He declined the Republican nomination for Mayor of Providence in 1885, but served as a Republican presidential elector in 1888. He was elected Governor of Rhode Island in 1892, and served two terms from 1893 to 1897. After leaving office he resumed his former business pursuits.
Rogers, George Clarke
b. November 22, 1839 d. February 28, 1915
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War as Colonel and commander of the 15th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "meritorious services".
Anderson, Eddie (Edmund) Lincoln 'Rochester'
b. September 18, 1905 d. February 28, 1977
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of ‘Rochester Van Jones', on the "Jack Benny Show". The son of a minstrel, Big Ed Anderson, and a circus tightrope walker, Ella May Anderson, Eddie was born into a show business family, where he joined his brother, Cornelius, in a vaudeville troop. For a while, he played bit roles in movies, including the role of ‘Noah' in "The Green Pastures" (1936), which led to his role with Jack Benny on his radio program in 1937.
Stockton, Richard
b. October 1, 1730 d. February 28, 1781
Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, to a wealthy family. He grew up at Morven, the family estate, and attended Princeton University, graduating in 1748. He had studied law, and set up a law practice. In 1755, he married Annis Boudinot, with whom he would have six children.
Smith, William Farrar 'Baldy'
b. February 17, 1824 d. February 28, 1903
Civil War Union Major General. Fought in Peninsula campaign, Seven Days battles, South Mountain, Antietam, commanded VI Corps at Fredericksburg, Chattanooga, Petersburg, and commanded XVIII Corps in VA and NC.
Willis, John Harlan
b. June 10, 1921 d. February 28, 1945
WW II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as Platoon Corpsman with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division during operations against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. In action at Hill 362 on February 28, 1945 he administered first aid to the many wounded marines until he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the aid station. With no medical release he quickly returned to his company to help wounded.
Pearsall, Uri Balcom
b. July 17, 1840 d. February 28, 1907
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War first as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 99th United States Colored Troops before becoming the Colonel and commander of the 48th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "meritorious services during the war".
Stallings, Laurence Tucker
b. November 24, 1894 d. February 28, 1968
Screenwriter. Stallings lost his leg fighting in WWI, and wrote "What Price Glory" about his deep anti-war feelings. The spirit of the play is subverted in the film adaptations. His more than two dozen writing credits include "Old Ironsides" (1926), "Billy the Kid" (1930), "Too Hot to Handle" (1938), "Northwest Passage" (1940), "Christmas Eve" (1947), and "The Sun Shines Bright."
Roebling, Emily
b. September 23, 1843 d. February 28, 1903
Key Figure in the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Emily Warren was born the second youngest of twelve children of Sylvanus and Phebe Lickley Warren, and sister to Gouverneur Kemble (G.K.) Warren, 13 years her senior. After their father's death in 1859, G.K., an army officer and West Point graduate, took an interest in helping to raise and educate Emily. While on a visit with G.K., Emily attended a military ball where she met Washington A. Roebling, an engineering officer who served with her.
Molbone (Malbourne), Archibald (Archibald)
b. May 3, 1840 d. February 28, 1912
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Army as a Sergeant in Company G, 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Light Artillery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Petersburg, Virginia on April 2, 1865. His citation reads "Was one of a detachment of 20 picked artillerymen who voluntarily accompanied an infantry assaulting party and who turned upon the enemy the guns captured in the assault." His true nam was spelled "Malbourne".
Kellaway, Cecil b.
August 22, 1890 d. February 28, 1973
South African-born motion picture and television actor of the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Nominated for two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for "Luck of the Irish" (1948) and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1968). Cousin of actors Edmund Gwenn and
Arthur Chesney.
Keeler (Keeler), Ruby (Ethel)
b. August 25, 1909 d. February 28, 1993
Actress, Dancer. Ruby Keeler, who appeared in some of Hollywood's best known golden age musicals, was born Ethel Hilda Keeler on August 25, 1909 (sometimes shown as 1910). Her family moved to New York where she learned tap and popular dance before leaving school entirely to dance in nightclubs and on Broadway. It was at one of these nightclubs where she met future husband Al Jolson. Following their 1928 marriage, she moved to Hollywood where she signed with Warner Brothers.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 27
Rogers, Fred
b. March 20, 1928 d. February 27, 2003
Educator, Television Show Host. He hosted the educational children's program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" from 1968 to 2000. His show was watched by millions of children over the years, and was repeatedly hailed by parents and critics for his simple, positive, educational messages. Born Fred McFeely Rogers in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He attended the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and was ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1963.
Gish (Guiche), Lillian
b. October 14, 1893 d. February 27, 1993
Actress, most remembered for her ability to play vulnerable and waiflike fragile, yet inwardly strong roles in many silent films, including her most famous roles in "Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916). In 1984, she received the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. Born Lillian Diana de Guiche, on October 14, 1893, in Springfield, Ohio, her father was an alcoholic who left the family to fend for itself.
Marion, Francis 'The Swamp Fox'
b. 1732 d. February 27, 1795
Revolutionary War Continental Brigadier General. In 1753 he joined a militia company to fight in the French and Indian War, but does not see action. During the 1760 Cherokee War he served as a Lieutenant under Captain William Moultrie. In 1773 he established Pond's Bluff Plantation, and was elected to the South Carolina Provincial Congress. Upon the outbreak of hostilities against the British, he was made a Captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.
Leonard, Matthew
b. November 26, 1929 d. February 27, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army in Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action near Suoi Da, Republic of Vietnam on February 28, 1967. He was KILLED IN ACTION. His citation reads in part "P/Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged the enemy gun, and destroyed the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to a tree, propped himself.
b. March 20, 1928 d. February 27, 2003
Educator, Television Show Host. He hosted the educational children's program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" from 1968 to 2000. His show was watched by millions of children over the years, and was repeatedly hailed by parents and critics for his simple, positive, educational messages. Born Fred McFeely Rogers in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He attended the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and was ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1963.
Gish (Guiche), Lillian
b. October 14, 1893 d. February 27, 1993
Actress, most remembered for her ability to play vulnerable and waiflike fragile, yet inwardly strong roles in many silent films, including her most famous roles in "Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916). In 1984, she received the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. Born Lillian Diana de Guiche, on October 14, 1893, in Springfield, Ohio, her father was an alcoholic who left the family to fend for itself.
Marion, Francis 'The Swamp Fox'
b. 1732 d. February 27, 1795
Revolutionary War Continental Brigadier General. In 1753 he joined a militia company to fight in the French and Indian War, but does not see action. During the 1760 Cherokee War he served as a Lieutenant under Captain William Moultrie. In 1773 he established Pond's Bluff Plantation, and was elected to the South Carolina Provincial Congress. Upon the outbreak of hostilities against the British, he was made a Captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.
Leonard, Matthew
b. November 26, 1929 d. February 27, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army in Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action near Suoi Da, Republic of Vietnam on February 28, 1967. He was KILLED IN ACTION. His citation reads in part "P/Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged the enemy gun, and destroyed the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to a tree, propped himself.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 26
Mason, Shirley Ardell
b. January 25, 1923 d. February 26, 1998Folk Figure. Her true identity largely unknown in life, after her death it was determined that Shirley Mason was the real name of 'Sybil Isabel Dorsett', who had sixteen separate personalities. The story of Sybil's life and treatment was published in a book and made into a movie in the 1970's. She remains one of the most famous multiple personalities, and has been called "the most famous psychiatric patient in history."
Gatling, Richard
b. September 12, 1818 d. February 26, 1903
Inventor. Born on the family plantation in Como, Hertford County, North Carolina. The son of a farmer and inventor, Gatling distinguished himself early in life as a successful inventor. At 21 he had invented the screw propeller for steamboats, only to discover that someone else had recently and independently patented it. He also invented a rice-sowing machine, a wheat drill, a hemp brake and a steam plow.
Yabes, Maximo
b. January 29, 1932 d. February 26, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Viet Nam War in the United States Army as a First Sergeant in Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Phu Hoa Dong, Republic of Vietnam, on February 26, 1967. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Sgt. Yabes distinguished himself with Company A, which was providing security.
Kimball, Eddie (Edwin Roberts)
b. October 25, 1903 d. February 26, 1990
During WWII, his air/sea rescue programs are credited with saving the lives of 9,000 Navy pilots. Physical fitness advisor to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
von Wangelin, Hugo Aurelius
b. July 11, 1818 d. February 26, 1883
Von Wangelin was a Colonel in the 12th Missouri Infantry. He was awarded the brevet of brigadier general, USV, on March 13, 1865 for gallant & meritorious services during the Civil War. He lost his right arm at Ringgold Gap, Georgia on November 27, 1863.
Ludington, Sybil
b. April 5, 1761 d. February 26, 1839
US Revolutionary War Hero. Sybil Ludington was a typical 16 year old girl in 1777. She was putting the younger children to bed on the night of April 26, 1777, when word reached her house that the British were burning the town of Danbury, Connecticut, which was only 25 miles away. Her father was a colonel in the local militia. His men were scattered over a wide area around the Ludington house in Fredericksburg, New York (now Ludington).
George, Daniel Griffin
b. July 7, 1840 d. February 26, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a prisoner of war. He served as a Ordinary Seaman in the Union Navy. His citation reads "George served on board the U.S. Picket Boat No. 1 in action, 27 October 1864, against the Confederate ram Albemarle, which had resisted repeated attacks by our steamers and had kept a large force of vessels employed in watching her. The picket boat, equipped with a spar torpedo, succeeded in passing the enemy pickets within 20 yards without being..
DeWitt, David Porter
b. July 10, 1817 d. February 26, 1889
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General.
Williams, Maj. William
b. December 6, 1796 d. February 26, 1874
Military Officer, Explorer and Author. Major William Williams, the founder of Fort Dodge, Iowa, was born Dec 6, 1796 in Greensburgh, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, and came to the Fort Dodge area in 1850 with the troops. As a military commander on the prairie, he led the rescue of many settlers who had fallen under attack by the Indians at Storm Lake, while a dreadful blizzard hindered their efforts. He remained in 1854 when the troops left, and founded the town.
Swanson, Jon E.
b. May 1, 1942 d. February 26, 1971
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Swanson served as a Captain, United States Army, B Troop, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service at Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, on February 26, 1971. His citation reads-Captain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself by acts of bravery on February 26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Moore, Marshall Frank
b. February 12, 1830 d. February 26, 1870
Civil War Union Brevet Major General, Washington Territorial Governor. Served in the Civil War first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 69th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On March 13, 1865 he was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services during the war, and especially at the Battle of Jonesboro, Ga.", and Major General, US Volunteers for 'gallant and meritorious services during the war".
Calvert, James Spencer
b. 1850 d. February 26, 1929
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Indian Wars as a Private in Company C, 5th United States Regular Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Cedar Creek and other various places in Montana from October 1876 to January 1877. His citation simply reads "Gallantry in action". His Medal was issued on April 27, 1877.
Ingraham, Timothy
b. December 5, 1810 d. February 26, 1876
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He first served as Captain and commander of Company L, 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during its three months service from April to July 1861. After his muster out of that unit, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, serving from July 1861 until discharged for promotion as Colonel and commander of the 38th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Maritz, William E.
b. November 10, 1928 d. February 26, 2001
Chairman of the Maritz Inc. company, which is headquartered in Fenton, Missouri. Established in 1894 by his grandfather, the company was originally known as E. Maritz Jewelry Manufacturing Company. When William joined the company in 1953, it was known as Maritz Sales Builders. The family-owned company is one of the nation's largest employee motivation companies & has also branched out into market research & travel. William Maritz was named the St. Louis Citizen of the Year in 1998.
Gile, George W.
b. January 25, 1830 d. February 26, 1896
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Commissioned in the Civil War as a 1st Lieutenant in the 22nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was then commissioned in the 88th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, eventually becoming its Colonel and commander. He was severely wounded in the leg during the Battle of Antietam. Upon partial recovery of his injury he was commissioned into the Veterans Reserve Corps as Colonel and commander of the 9th VRC.
Varnum, Charles Albert
b. June 21, 1849 d. February 26, 1936
United States Army Officer, Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th United States Cavalry, during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. He was the last surviving officer from this battle. The son of John and Nancy Elizabeth Green Varnum; he resided in Dracut, Maine, until 1866, when the family moved to Florida. Entered the United States Military Academy in September 1868, from Florida.
b. January 25, 1923 d. February 26, 1998Folk Figure. Her true identity largely unknown in life, after her death it was determined that Shirley Mason was the real name of 'Sybil Isabel Dorsett', who had sixteen separate personalities. The story of Sybil's life and treatment was published in a book and made into a movie in the 1970's. She remains one of the most famous multiple personalities, and has been called "the most famous psychiatric patient in history."
Gatling, Richard
b. September 12, 1818 d. February 26, 1903
Inventor. Born on the family plantation in Como, Hertford County, North Carolina. The son of a farmer and inventor, Gatling distinguished himself early in life as a successful inventor. At 21 he had invented the screw propeller for steamboats, only to discover that someone else had recently and independently patented it. He also invented a rice-sowing machine, a wheat drill, a hemp brake and a steam plow.
Yabes, Maximo
b. January 29, 1932 d. February 26, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Viet Nam War in the United States Army as a First Sergeant in Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Phu Hoa Dong, Republic of Vietnam, on February 26, 1967. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Sgt. Yabes distinguished himself with Company A, which was providing security.
Kimball, Eddie (Edwin Roberts)
b. October 25, 1903 d. February 26, 1990
During WWII, his air/sea rescue programs are credited with saving the lives of 9,000 Navy pilots. Physical fitness advisor to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
von Wangelin, Hugo Aurelius
b. July 11, 1818 d. February 26, 1883
Von Wangelin was a Colonel in the 12th Missouri Infantry. He was awarded the brevet of brigadier general, USV, on March 13, 1865 for gallant & meritorious services during the Civil War. He lost his right arm at Ringgold Gap, Georgia on November 27, 1863.
Ludington, Sybil
b. April 5, 1761 d. February 26, 1839
US Revolutionary War Hero. Sybil Ludington was a typical 16 year old girl in 1777. She was putting the younger children to bed on the night of April 26, 1777, when word reached her house that the British were burning the town of Danbury, Connecticut, which was only 25 miles away. Her father was a colonel in the local militia. His men were scattered over a wide area around the Ludington house in Fredericksburg, New York (now Ludington).
George, Daniel Griffin
b. July 7, 1840 d. February 26, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a prisoner of war. He served as a Ordinary Seaman in the Union Navy. His citation reads "George served on board the U.S. Picket Boat No. 1 in action, 27 October 1864, against the Confederate ram Albemarle, which had resisted repeated attacks by our steamers and had kept a large force of vessels employed in watching her. The picket boat, equipped with a spar torpedo, succeeded in passing the enemy pickets within 20 yards without being..
DeWitt, David Porter
b. July 10, 1817 d. February 26, 1889
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General.
Williams, Maj. William
b. December 6, 1796 d. February 26, 1874
Military Officer, Explorer and Author. Major William Williams, the founder of Fort Dodge, Iowa, was born Dec 6, 1796 in Greensburgh, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, and came to the Fort Dodge area in 1850 with the troops. As a military commander on the prairie, he led the rescue of many settlers who had fallen under attack by the Indians at Storm Lake, while a dreadful blizzard hindered their efforts. He remained in 1854 when the troops left, and founded the town.
Swanson, Jon E.
b. May 1, 1942 d. February 26, 1971
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Swanson served as a Captain, United States Army, B Troop, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service at Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, on February 26, 1971. His citation reads-Captain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himself by acts of bravery on February 26, 1971, while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support of ARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Moore, Marshall Frank
b. February 12, 1830 d. February 26, 1870
Civil War Union Brevet Major General, Washington Territorial Governor. Served in the Civil War first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 69th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On March 13, 1865 he was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services during the war, and especially at the Battle of Jonesboro, Ga.", and Major General, US Volunteers for 'gallant and meritorious services during the war".
Calvert, James Spencer
b. 1850 d. February 26, 1929
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Indian Wars as a Private in Company C, 5th United States Regular Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Cedar Creek and other various places in Montana from October 1876 to January 1877. His citation simply reads "Gallantry in action". His Medal was issued on April 27, 1877.
Ingraham, Timothy
b. December 5, 1810 d. February 26, 1876
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He first served as Captain and commander of Company L, 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during its three months service from April to July 1861. After his muster out of that unit, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, serving from July 1861 until discharged for promotion as Colonel and commander of the 38th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Maritz, William E.
b. November 10, 1928 d. February 26, 2001
Chairman of the Maritz Inc. company, which is headquartered in Fenton, Missouri. Established in 1894 by his grandfather, the company was originally known as E. Maritz Jewelry Manufacturing Company. When William joined the company in 1953, it was known as Maritz Sales Builders. The family-owned company is one of the nation's largest employee motivation companies & has also branched out into market research & travel. William Maritz was named the St. Louis Citizen of the Year in 1998.
Gile, George W.
b. January 25, 1830 d. February 26, 1896
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Commissioned in the Civil War as a 1st Lieutenant in the 22nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was then commissioned in the 88th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, eventually becoming its Colonel and commander. He was severely wounded in the leg during the Battle of Antietam. Upon partial recovery of his injury he was commissioned into the Veterans Reserve Corps as Colonel and commander of the 9th VRC.
Varnum, Charles Albert
b. June 21, 1849 d. February 26, 1936
United States Army Officer, Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th United States Cavalry, during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. He was the last surviving officer from this battle. The son of John and Nancy Elizabeth Green Varnum; he resided in Dracut, Maine, until 1866, when the family moved to Florida. Entered the United States Military Academy in September 1868, from Florida.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 25
Williams, Tennessee (Thomas Lanier)
b. March 26, 1911 d. February 25, 1983
Playwright, short story writer, novelist, often considered one of the most significant American playwrights of all time. His first professional credit as a writer was a 1927 essay, “Can a Good Wife Be a Good Sport?,” which he entered in a contest in the Smart Set magazine, placing third and winning $5. He often credited seeing a 1929 production of Ibsen’s Ghosts with his decision to become a playwright.
McGavin, Darren
b. May 7, 1922 d. February 25, 2006
Actor. Character actor seen in movies and television. Probably best known for his role as Ralphie's father in the Holiday classic "A Christmas Story." He began his acting career in 1944 working in an off-Broadway play. He was first seen on film in an un-credited role in the 1945 film "A Song to Remember." He had several bit parts in many films throughout the 1940's.
b. March 26, 1911 d. February 25, 1983
Playwright, short story writer, novelist, often considered one of the most significant American playwrights of all time. His first professional credit as a writer was a 1927 essay, “Can a Good Wife Be a Good Sport?,” which he entered in a contest in the Smart Set magazine, placing third and winning $5. He often credited seeing a 1929 production of Ibsen’s Ghosts with his decision to become a playwright.
McGavin, Darren
b. May 7, 1922 d. February 25, 2006
Actor. Character actor seen in movies and television. Probably best known for his role as Ralphie's father in the Holiday classic "A Christmas Story." He began his acting career in 1944 working in an off-Broadway play. He was first seen on film in an un-credited role in the 1945 film "A Song to Remember." He had several bit parts in many films throughout the 1940's.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 24
Knotts, Don
b. July 21, 1924 d. February 24, 2006
Actor, Comedian. Born Jesse Donald Knotts in Morgantown, West Virginia, he is best known for his roles as 'Deputy Barney Fife' in the 1960s television series the "Andy Griffith Show," and as landlord 'Ralph Furley' from the late 1970s television situation comedy series "Three's Company." He began his career as a ventriloquist and comedian in his local hometown of Morgantown. Following an unsuccessful career launch in New York, he returned home to attend West Virginia University.
Fulton, Robert
b. November 14, 1765 d. February 24, 1815
Inventor, Artist. While not the inventor of the steamboat, he was very instrumental in constructing a steamboat named the "Clermont",and parlaying it into a commercial success with the first permanent commercial route in history on the Hudson River. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston backed the venture with his financial and political influence.
Weaver, Dennis (William)
b. June 4, 1924 d. February 24, 2006
Actor. As a struggling actor his big break came in 1955 with a $300 per week job as Chester in the television western series "Gunsmoke;" at the end of his nine years with "Gunsmoke," he was earning $9,000 a week and had won an Emmy for the 1958 to 1959 season. In 1966, CBS had him with a 600-pound American black bear in "Gentle Ben" which lasted two years. From 1970 to 1977 starred as New Mexico deputy sherrif Sam McCloud in the TV series McCloud.
Shore, Dinah
b. February 29, 1916 d. February 24, 1994
Singer, actress, television hostess. Fondly remembered for her long career on stage, screen, TV, and radio. Dinah Shore's 55 years in show business included more than 70 hit recordings..."Dear Hearts and Gentle People" "Buttons and Bows" "Blues in the Night" "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" "I'll Walk Alone" and "I Wish I didn't Love You So." She had a Peabody Award, 10 Emmy Awards with 3 stars on the Hollywood Walk.
Houck, Herbert Norman
b. 1915 d. February 24, 2002
World War II US Navy Aviator. A native of Minnesota, he joined the Navy in 1936, earned his flying wings and was commissioned an Ensign fighter pilot. During World War II, he served on several aircraft carriers in the Pacific and became an ace shooting down six Japanese planes. Serving on the USS Yorktown, as Lieutenant Commander and lead fighter pilot flying FM-6 Hellcat fighters, he led the first mass strike by carrier based aircraft on Tokyo on February 16, 1945.
Egan, Thomas Wilberforce
b. June 14, 1834 d. February 24, 1887
Civil War Union Brigadier General. He enlisted in the 40th New York Volunteer Infantry (the "Mozart Regiment") in April 1861, and was commissioned it's Lieutenant Colonel on July 1. At The Battle of Seven Pines in the Peninsula Campaign he put his Colonel in arrest for misconduct, displayed conspicuous gallantry, and was commissioned Colonel as of the date of his superior's dismissal from the service.
Wilbanks, Hilliard Almond
b. July 26, 1933 d. February 24, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks was pilot of an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South Vietnam Army Ranger Battalion. His intensive search revealed a well concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to ambush the advancing rangers.
b. July 21, 1924 d. February 24, 2006
Actor, Comedian. Born Jesse Donald Knotts in Morgantown, West Virginia, he is best known for his roles as 'Deputy Barney Fife' in the 1960s television series the "Andy Griffith Show," and as landlord 'Ralph Furley' from the late 1970s television situation comedy series "Three's Company." He began his career as a ventriloquist and comedian in his local hometown of Morgantown. Following an unsuccessful career launch in New York, he returned home to attend West Virginia University.
Fulton, Robert
b. November 14, 1765 d. February 24, 1815
Inventor, Artist. While not the inventor of the steamboat, he was very instrumental in constructing a steamboat named the "Clermont",and parlaying it into a commercial success with the first permanent commercial route in history on the Hudson River. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston backed the venture with his financial and political influence.
Weaver, Dennis (William)
b. June 4, 1924 d. February 24, 2006
Actor. As a struggling actor his big break came in 1955 with a $300 per week job as Chester in the television western series "Gunsmoke;" at the end of his nine years with "Gunsmoke," he was earning $9,000 a week and had won an Emmy for the 1958 to 1959 season. In 1966, CBS had him with a 600-pound American black bear in "Gentle Ben" which lasted two years. From 1970 to 1977 starred as New Mexico deputy sherrif Sam McCloud in the TV series McCloud.
Shore, Dinah
b. February 29, 1916 d. February 24, 1994
Singer, actress, television hostess. Fondly remembered for her long career on stage, screen, TV, and radio. Dinah Shore's 55 years in show business included more than 70 hit recordings..."Dear Hearts and Gentle People" "Buttons and Bows" "Blues in the Night" "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" "I'll Walk Alone" and "I Wish I didn't Love You So." She had a Peabody Award, 10 Emmy Awards with 3 stars on the Hollywood Walk.
Houck, Herbert Norman
b. 1915 d. February 24, 2002
World War II US Navy Aviator. A native of Minnesota, he joined the Navy in 1936, earned his flying wings and was commissioned an Ensign fighter pilot. During World War II, he served on several aircraft carriers in the Pacific and became an ace shooting down six Japanese planes. Serving on the USS Yorktown, as Lieutenant Commander and lead fighter pilot flying FM-6 Hellcat fighters, he led the first mass strike by carrier based aircraft on Tokyo on February 16, 1945.
Egan, Thomas Wilberforce
b. June 14, 1834 d. February 24, 1887
Civil War Union Brigadier General. He enlisted in the 40th New York Volunteer Infantry (the "Mozart Regiment") in April 1861, and was commissioned it's Lieutenant Colonel on July 1. At The Battle of Seven Pines in the Peninsula Campaign he put his Colonel in arrest for misconduct, displayed conspicuous gallantry, and was commissioned Colonel as of the date of his superior's dismissal from the service.
Wilbanks, Hilliard Almond
b. July 26, 1933 d. February 24, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks was pilot of an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South Vietnam Army Ranger Battalion. His intensive search revealed a well concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to ambush the advancing rangers.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 23
Laurel, Stan
b. June 16, 1890 d. February 23, 1965
Legendary comic actor, he found his greatest success when paired with equally legendary Oliver Hardy. Born Arthur Stanley Jefferson in Ulverston, England, the second of five children. His father, A. J. Jefferson managed a number of vaudeville theaters, and his mother was an actress. He lived with his grandparents until age six, then moved in with his parents to begin his education.
Keats, John
b. October 31, 1795 d. February 23, 1821
Poet. John Keats, whose rich romantic poetry was so misunderstood and attacked in his own short lifetime, is now one of the best loved, and most admired of all English poets. His odes, sonnets, and narrative poems always find a place in modern anthologies of English poetry, and continue to delight and entertain. Keats died in Rome at the age of 25, from the great killer of the time, tuberculosis, which he had probably contracted from his younger brother Tom, whom he had helped nurse.
Adams, John Quincy
b. July 11, 1767 d. February 23, 1848
6th United States President, Presidential Cabinet Secretary, US Congressman. The son of 2nd United States President John Adams, he was born less than 75 feet from the birthplace house of his father in Braintree, Massachusetts. As a youth he was extremely fearful for the life of his father who had signed his name to the Declaration of Independence thusly committing an act of treason against England.
Franklin (English), Melvin (David)
b. October 12, 1942 d. February 23, 1995
R/B singer, born David English in Montgomery, Alabama, his stage name Franklin came from his mother's surname, Franklin. Nicknamed "blue" by friends and fellow singers because he liked everything blue. He was a member of many local singing groups in Detroit, including The Voice Masters. He attended Northwestern High, where he met Otis Williams, and this would be the beginning of a relationship between Otis and Melvin that would last for over thirty years. Melvin joined The Distants.
Parker, Quanah
d. February 23, 1911
Native American Folk Figure. He is often referred to as the last Chief of the Comanches, but the truth of the matter is that the Comanche people never elected him as a chief. In fact there was no such thing as Chief of the Comanches. Each band of Comanches had their own chief. After the surrender of the Comanche people and their placement on the reservation, Colonel Ranald S Mackenzie appointed him Chief of Comanches.
Howland, John
b. 1591 d. February 23, 1673
American history legend from the voyage of the Mayflower and founding of Plymouth Rock in 1620. American children discover John Holland when they learn of the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, and the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims' leader Governor William Bradford wrote a first hand account of the Pilgrim history from 1620 to 1647. This account was first published in 1952, and is considered one of the best first hand accounts of any kind on American history. In Bradford's account of the voyage over,
Payton, Corse
b. December 18, 1866 d. February 23, 1934
Theatrical Producer. Named Corse was given him by his father who had served in the Civil War under General John M. Corse in the Sixth Iowa Infantry, he received his education in Centerville Schools. At a young age he left home in search of excitement and joined a traveling circus. A few months later he decided to return home and with his brother organized a theater stock company, known as Corse Payton’s Comedy Company.
Hurst, Fannie
b. October 18, 1889 d. February 23, 1968
American novelist, dramatist & screenwriter. Her first book, Just Around the Corner, a collection of short stories, appeared in 1914. She went on to write more than 40 novels & story collections. A number of her books were turned into successful motion pictures ("Imitation of Life" 1959) while for others she wrote the screenplays ("Back Street" 1961).
Hartsock, Robert Willard
b. January 24, 1945 d. February 23, 1969
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Hartsock, distinguished himself in action while serving as section leader with the 44th Infantry Platoon. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander spotted an enemy sapper squad which had infiltrated the camp undetected.
Donohue, Pete
b. November 5, 1900 d. February 23, 1988
Major League Baseball Player. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander was a three-time 20-game winner with the Cincinnati Reds. The product of Texas Christian University joined the Reds in 1921 and was soon a star pitcher. He was 18-9 in 1922 with a 3.12 earned run average for 242 innings and 18 complete games in 30 starts. The following year he went 21-15 with a 3.38 ERA for 274 innings and 19 complete games in 36 starts. He was 16-9 and a 3.60 ERA in 1924 and led the league with 27 complete.
Dahl, Larry Gilbert
b. June 10, 1949 d. February 23, 1971
Vietnam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He was a Specialist Fourth Class of the U.S. Army, 359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army Support Command and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. His official CMOH citation reads as follows: Sp4c. Dahl distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner on a gun truck near An Khe, Binh Dinh.
Lunsford, Jessica Marie
b. October 6, 1995 d. February 23, 2005
Nine-year-old Jessica was kidnapped and killed by a registered sex offender who was living near her home. A massive manhunt had been underway, spearheaded by her father Mark, her grandparents, local authorities, volunteers, and the media. Her body was found after her killer confessed to the crime and told police of her whereabouts. Jessica is the namesake of the Jessica Lunsford Act, a Florida law that strengthened penalties against sex offenders, signed into legislation by Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
b. June 16, 1890 d. February 23, 1965
Legendary comic actor, he found his greatest success when paired with equally legendary Oliver Hardy. Born Arthur Stanley Jefferson in Ulverston, England, the second of five children. His father, A. J. Jefferson managed a number of vaudeville theaters, and his mother was an actress. He lived with his grandparents until age six, then moved in with his parents to begin his education.
Keats, John
b. October 31, 1795 d. February 23, 1821
Poet. John Keats, whose rich romantic poetry was so misunderstood and attacked in his own short lifetime, is now one of the best loved, and most admired of all English poets. His odes, sonnets, and narrative poems always find a place in modern anthologies of English poetry, and continue to delight and entertain. Keats died in Rome at the age of 25, from the great killer of the time, tuberculosis, which he had probably contracted from his younger brother Tom, whom he had helped nurse.
Adams, John Quincy
b. July 11, 1767 d. February 23, 1848
6th United States President, Presidential Cabinet Secretary, US Congressman. The son of 2nd United States President John Adams, he was born less than 75 feet from the birthplace house of his father in Braintree, Massachusetts. As a youth he was extremely fearful for the life of his father who had signed his name to the Declaration of Independence thusly committing an act of treason against England.
Franklin (English), Melvin (David)
b. October 12, 1942 d. February 23, 1995
R/B singer, born David English in Montgomery, Alabama, his stage name Franklin came from his mother's surname, Franklin. Nicknamed "blue" by friends and fellow singers because he liked everything blue. He was a member of many local singing groups in Detroit, including The Voice Masters. He attended Northwestern High, where he met Otis Williams, and this would be the beginning of a relationship between Otis and Melvin that would last for over thirty years. Melvin joined The Distants.
Parker, Quanah
d. February 23, 1911
Native American Folk Figure. He is often referred to as the last Chief of the Comanches, but the truth of the matter is that the Comanche people never elected him as a chief. In fact there was no such thing as Chief of the Comanches. Each band of Comanches had their own chief. After the surrender of the Comanche people and their placement on the reservation, Colonel Ranald S Mackenzie appointed him Chief of Comanches.
Howland, John
b. 1591 d. February 23, 1673
American history legend from the voyage of the Mayflower and founding of Plymouth Rock in 1620. American children discover John Holland when they learn of the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, and the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims' leader Governor William Bradford wrote a first hand account of the Pilgrim history from 1620 to 1647. This account was first published in 1952, and is considered one of the best first hand accounts of any kind on American history. In Bradford's account of the voyage over,
Payton, Corse
b. December 18, 1866 d. February 23, 1934
Theatrical Producer. Named Corse was given him by his father who had served in the Civil War under General John M. Corse in the Sixth Iowa Infantry, he received his education in Centerville Schools. At a young age he left home in search of excitement and joined a traveling circus. A few months later he decided to return home and with his brother organized a theater stock company, known as Corse Payton’s Comedy Company.
Hurst, Fannie
b. October 18, 1889 d. February 23, 1968
American novelist, dramatist & screenwriter. Her first book, Just Around the Corner, a collection of short stories, appeared in 1914. She went on to write more than 40 novels & story collections. A number of her books were turned into successful motion pictures ("Imitation of Life" 1959) while for others she wrote the screenplays ("Back Street" 1961).
Hartsock, Robert Willard
b. January 24, 1945 d. February 23, 1969
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Hartsock, distinguished himself in action while serving as section leader with the 44th Infantry Platoon. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander spotted an enemy sapper squad which had infiltrated the camp undetected.
Donohue, Pete
b. November 5, 1900 d. February 23, 1988
Major League Baseball Player. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander was a three-time 20-game winner with the Cincinnati Reds. The product of Texas Christian University joined the Reds in 1921 and was soon a star pitcher. He was 18-9 in 1922 with a 3.12 earned run average for 242 innings and 18 complete games in 30 starts. The following year he went 21-15 with a 3.38 ERA for 274 innings and 19 complete games in 36 starts. He was 16-9 and a 3.60 ERA in 1924 and led the league with 27 complete.
Dahl, Larry Gilbert
b. June 10, 1949 d. February 23, 1971
Vietnam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He was a Specialist Fourth Class of the U.S. Army, 359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army Support Command and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. His official CMOH citation reads as follows: Sp4c. Dahl distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner on a gun truck near An Khe, Binh Dinh.
Lunsford, Jessica Marie
b. October 6, 1995 d. February 23, 2005
Nine-year-old Jessica was kidnapped and killed by a registered sex offender who was living near her home. A massive manhunt had been underway, spearheaded by her father Mark, her grandparents, local authorities, volunteers, and the media. Her body was found after her killer confessed to the crime and told police of her whereabouts. Jessica is the namesake of the Jessica Lunsford Act, a Florida law that strengthened penalties against sex offenders, signed into legislation by Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 22
Ballard, Florence Glenda
b. June 30, 1943 d. February 22, 1976
R&B singer and founding member of one of America's successful female vocal groups of all time, the Supremes. Florence Glenda Ballard was the eighth of thirteen children born in Rosetta, Mississippi. She grew up in the housing projects of Detroit, Michigan. In her teens, Ballard formed the vocal group the Primettes with school friends Mary Wilson and Betty Travis (who later left the group). Diana Ross completed the line-up in 1960. The following year, in Jan. of 1961, the Primettes were signed.
Holtzapple, George Emanuel
b. May 22, 1862 d. February 22, 1946
Medical Pioneer. He discovered new and improved treatments for pneumonia, which saved many lives.
Jones, Chuck
b. September 21, 1912 d. February 22, 2002
Influential Animator. Born Charles Martin Jones in Spokane, Washington, his family moved to California while he was still an infant. As a boy, he found occasional work as a child extra in Mack Sennett comedies. At fifteen, he enrolled in the Chouinard Art Institute before he got his first job in animation as a cel washer for Ubbe Iwerks in 1932. Four years later, he was promoted to an animator working for Leon Schlesinger Studio, where his animation unit, nicknamed Termite Terrace.
Warhol, Andy
b. August 6, 1928 d. February 22, 1987
Artist, Author. He gave birth to the Pop Art movement, and his paintings of the Campbell's soup cans brought him to the attention of the art world. Born, raised and schooled in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Carpathian immigrant parents from Slovakia. He received his drawing skills and training from Carnegie Institute of Technology, then moved to New York City, gaining success as a commercial artist. He set up a building where he manufactured his art and filmed movies.
Peale, Charles Willson
b. April 16, 1741 d. February 22, 1827
Artist. Born in Queen Anne County, Maryland, to Charles Peale who had been, deported to Colonies in lieu of death sentence for forgery and Margaret Triggs. At thirteen, Peale became apprenticed to a saddle maker. He became his own master at twenty and opened his own saddle shop. He taught himself several other trades including watch making, silversmithing, upholstery, and sign painting. About 1764 he began to study art with Gustavus Hesselius, a portraitist living near Annapolis.
Shay, Larry
b. August 10, 1897 d. February 22, 1988
Lyricist and Composer. He wrote the song standard "When You're Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You."
Smith, Wilson
b. September 6, 1841 d. February 22, 1901Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the Union Army in Battery H, 3d New York Light Artillery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 6, 1862 at Washington, North Carolina. His citation reads "Took command of a gun (the lieutenant in charge having disappeared) and fired the same so rapidly and effectively that the enemy was repulsed, although for a time a hand-to-hand conflict was had over the gun."
Vetter, David 'The Bubble Boy'
b. September 21, 1971 d. February 22, 1984
Folk Personality. Known as "The Bubble Boy," Vetter suffered from an immune disease, called Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID). The disease required him to live his life in a sterile environment that coined the name, "The Bubble Boy." His death at age 12 was attributed to a treatment he was undergoing for his condition. Several movies and books have been written about David's life including, "The True Story Of David The Bubble Boy" (1995), by Mary Ida Murphy.
Von Trapp, Rupert
b. November 1, 1911 d. February 22, 1992
Entertainer. He was a member of the Von Trapp family of singers who escaped Nazi-occupied Austria and emigrated to America, where they toured the country. Their story was told in the Broadway musical and Academy Award-winning film "The Sound Of Music".
Astor III., John Jacob
b. June 10, 1822 d. February 22, 1890
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Financier. Grandson of patriarch John Jacob Astor I and son of William Backhouse Astor. He devoted his life to philanthropy and civic affairs. He and his wife Charlotte provided funding for a host of charities, including the Children's Aid Society, the Astor Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Cancer Hospital. During the Civil War, he served as an volunteer Aide-de-Camp to General George B. McClellan, and recieved the brevet.
Maltese, Michael
b. February 6, 1908 d. February 22, 1981Renowned cartoon writer for Warner Brothers Looney Toons Classic Animation and Hanna-Barbera Animation. He worked for famed cartoon directors Isadore "Friz" Freleng and Tex Avery, but he did his most memorable work with legendary animator Chuck Jones.
Burger, Anthony John
b. June 5, 1961 d. February 22, 2006
Noted Southern Gospel pianist. Played for The Celestials, The Kingsmen Quartet and most recently traveled with The Gaither Homecoming Tour. He also did a stint with a group comprised of Ivan Parker, Kirk Talley and himself called simply "The Trio" in which he not only accompanied but also contributed vocally. Winner of 9 Singing News Fan Awards for Instrumentalist of the Year which was later named The Anthony Burger Award in 1989, one Dove Award along with several nominations, 2 People's.
b. June 30, 1943 d. February 22, 1976
R&B singer and founding member of one of America's successful female vocal groups of all time, the Supremes. Florence Glenda Ballard was the eighth of thirteen children born in Rosetta, Mississippi. She grew up in the housing projects of Detroit, Michigan. In her teens, Ballard formed the vocal group the Primettes with school friends Mary Wilson and Betty Travis (who later left the group). Diana Ross completed the line-up in 1960. The following year, in Jan. of 1961, the Primettes were signed.
Holtzapple, George Emanuel
b. May 22, 1862 d. February 22, 1946
Medical Pioneer. He discovered new and improved treatments for pneumonia, which saved many lives.
Jones, Chuck
b. September 21, 1912 d. February 22, 2002
Influential Animator. Born Charles Martin Jones in Spokane, Washington, his family moved to California while he was still an infant. As a boy, he found occasional work as a child extra in Mack Sennett comedies. At fifteen, he enrolled in the Chouinard Art Institute before he got his first job in animation as a cel washer for Ubbe Iwerks in 1932. Four years later, he was promoted to an animator working for Leon Schlesinger Studio, where his animation unit, nicknamed Termite Terrace.
Warhol, Andy
b. August 6, 1928 d. February 22, 1987
Artist, Author. He gave birth to the Pop Art movement, and his paintings of the Campbell's soup cans brought him to the attention of the art world. Born, raised and schooled in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Carpathian immigrant parents from Slovakia. He received his drawing skills and training from Carnegie Institute of Technology, then moved to New York City, gaining success as a commercial artist. He set up a building where he manufactured his art and filmed movies.
Peale, Charles Willson
b. April 16, 1741 d. February 22, 1827
Artist. Born in Queen Anne County, Maryland, to Charles Peale who had been, deported to Colonies in lieu of death sentence for forgery and Margaret Triggs. At thirteen, Peale became apprenticed to a saddle maker. He became his own master at twenty and opened his own saddle shop. He taught himself several other trades including watch making, silversmithing, upholstery, and sign painting. About 1764 he began to study art with Gustavus Hesselius, a portraitist living near Annapolis.
Shay, Larry
b. August 10, 1897 d. February 22, 1988
Lyricist and Composer. He wrote the song standard "When You're Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You."
Smith, Wilson
b. September 6, 1841 d. February 22, 1901Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the Union Army in Battery H, 3d New York Light Artillery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 6, 1862 at Washington, North Carolina. His citation reads "Took command of a gun (the lieutenant in charge having disappeared) and fired the same so rapidly and effectively that the enemy was repulsed, although for a time a hand-to-hand conflict was had over the gun."
Vetter, David 'The Bubble Boy'
b. September 21, 1971 d. February 22, 1984
Folk Personality. Known as "The Bubble Boy," Vetter suffered from an immune disease, called Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID). The disease required him to live his life in a sterile environment that coined the name, "The Bubble Boy." His death at age 12 was attributed to a treatment he was undergoing for his condition. Several movies and books have been written about David's life including, "The True Story Of David The Bubble Boy" (1995), by Mary Ida Murphy.
Von Trapp, Rupert
b. November 1, 1911 d. February 22, 1992
Entertainer. He was a member of the Von Trapp family of singers who escaped Nazi-occupied Austria and emigrated to America, where they toured the country. Their story was told in the Broadway musical and Academy Award-winning film "The Sound Of Music".
Astor III., John Jacob
b. June 10, 1822 d. February 22, 1890
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Financier. Grandson of patriarch John Jacob Astor I and son of William Backhouse Astor. He devoted his life to philanthropy and civic affairs. He and his wife Charlotte provided funding for a host of charities, including the Children's Aid Society, the Astor Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Cancer Hospital. During the Civil War, he served as an volunteer Aide-de-Camp to General George B. McClellan, and recieved the brevet.
Maltese, Michael
b. February 6, 1908 d. February 22, 1981Renowned cartoon writer for Warner Brothers Looney Toons Classic Animation and Hanna-Barbera Animation. He worked for famed cartoon directors Isadore "Friz" Freleng and Tex Avery, but he did his most memorable work with legendary animator Chuck Jones.
Burger, Anthony John
b. June 5, 1961 d. February 22, 2006
Noted Southern Gospel pianist. Played for The Celestials, The Kingsmen Quartet and most recently traveled with The Gaither Homecoming Tour. He also did a stint with a group comprised of Ivan Parker, Kirk Talley and himself called simply "The Trio" in which he not only accompanied but also contributed vocally. Winner of 9 Singing News Fan Awards for Instrumentalist of the Year which was later named The Anthony Burger Award in 1989, one Dove Award along with several nominations, 2 People's.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 21
Fonteyn, Dame. Margot (Margaret)
b. May 18, 1919 d. February 21, 1991
Ballerina. She became the most internationally famous dancer of her age. Considered to be very lyrical and expressive, she is noted for her roles as ‘Giselle' and ‘Odette'. She studied with dancing masters H. Bosustov in Ealing, with G. Goncharov in Shanghai and with N. Legat and Astafieva in London before being accepted at Sadler's Wells School in 1934. In the same year with made her debut with the Vic Wells Ballet as a snowflake in 'The Nutcracker'.
Julius II, Pope
b. December 5, 1443 d. February 21, 1513
Catholic Pope.
Wilkinson, Theodore Stark
b. December 22, 1888 d. February 21, 1946
Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He graduated 1st in the United States Naval Academy class of 1909. Besides serving in the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, he also served in WWI and WWII. In WWI he was a member of the Bureau of Ordnance; here he helped to fulfill the creation of anti-submarine depth charges that were the backbone of the mission to mine the North Sea. Before WWII he served as Secretary of the General Board of the Navy.
Bates, Paul L.
b. March 4, 1908 d. February 21, 1995
United States Army Officer. He was the white Colonel who refused to court martial future Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson. Colonel Bates was the commander of the first black tank battalion to go into battle in World War II. At a segregated boot camp in Texas, he refused to court martial a black officer for refusing to move to the back of a bus at Fort Hood. That officer was Jackie Robinson, who was tried for insubordination, acquitted, and went on to break the color barrier in major.
Estes, Llewellyn
G. b. December 27, 1843 d. February 21, 1905
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War first as a Captain in the 1st Maine Volunteer Cavalry regiment, then as Major and Assistant Adjutant General on the Staff of Maj. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Flint River, Georgia on August 30, 1864. His citation reads “Voluntarily led troops in a charge over a burning bridge”. He had been ordered by General Oliver O. Howard to drive away rebel troops.
Jones, Sherman 'Roadblock'
b. February 10, 1935 d. February 21, 2007
Major League Baseball Player. He was a pitcher for three seasons (1960 to 1962) with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. He was a member of the 1961 National League Pennant-winning Reds. After retiring from baseball, Jones was a police officer in Kansas City, Kansas and later was elected to and served in both the Kansas State House of Representatives and Kansas State Senate. In 48 career regular season games, Jones won 2 and lost 6 with a 4.73 lifetime era.
Pearl, Daniel
b. October 10, 1963 d. February 21, 2002
Reporter for the Wall Street Journal. Kidnapped by Islamic extremists in Karachi, Pakistan on January 23, 2002. On February 21, 2002, he was confirmed dead by the United States Department of State.
Hayward, Louis
b. March 19, 1909 d. February 21, 1985
Actor. Born Seafield Grant in Johannesburg, South Africa. He made his Broadway debut in "Point Valaine" in 1934 and won the 'New York Critics Circle Award'. His first Hollywood movie was "The Flame Within" in 1935. Other film credits include "Anthony Adverse," "The Man in the Iron Mask" and "The Son of Monte Cristo." He was married for a time to actress Ida Lupino.
Moore, Robin
b. September 30, 1925 d. February 21, 2008
Author. Born Robert L. Moore, he is best known as the author of "The Green Berets" (1965) and "The French Connection" (1969). Both were made into famous films, "The Green Berets" starring John Wayne in 1968. "The French Connection", starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, won the Best Picture Oscar for 1971. His many novels included "Pitchman" (1966), "The Happy Hooker" (1972), "Dubai" (1976), "Tales of The Green Beret" (1985), "Area 51" (1997) and "Hunting Down Saddam" (2004).
Horton, Tim (Miles Gilbert)
b. January 12, 1930 d. February 21, 1974
Professional Hockey Player. A native of Cochrane, Ontario, Horton played for teams in the NHL, AHL, OHA-Jr, and the NOJHA hockey leagues. At 5'10", and 180lbs, he played for the Copper Cliff Jr. Redmen from 1946 to 1947, St. Michael's Majors from 1947 to 1949, Toronto Maple Leafs from 1949-1950, 1951-1970, Pittsburgh Hornets from 1949 to 1952, New York Rangers from 1969 to 1971, Pittsburgh Penguins from 1971 to 1972, and the Buffalo Sabres from 1972 to 1974.
Sims, Clifford Chester
b. June 18, 1942 d. February 21, 1968
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during the war in Viet Nam as a Staff Sergeant in Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on February 21, 1968. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Sims distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader.
Ruhl, Donald Jack
b. July 2, 1923 d. February 21, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Columbus, Montana, he was educated in the grammar schools of Columbus, and graduated from high school at Joliet, Montana, in 1942. During his High School years, he worked as a general farm hand on a 400-acre farm for $15 a week, room and board. The farm was ran with no mechanical machines, so it was here that he gained physical strength and endurance that would help him with his training in the Marine Corp.
Mizell, Vinegar Bend (Wilmer)
b. August 13, 1930 d. February 21, 1999
Major League Baseball Player, US Congressman. Tagged “Vinegar Bend Mizell” early in his career for his home town of Vinegar Bend, Alabama, he played Major League baseball as a pitcher for 9 seasons (1952 to 1953, 1956 to 1962) with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. Played his first 6 1/4 seasons with the Cardinals (he served in the US Army in 1954 and 1955), being a stalwart in a pitching rotation for teams that often finished in the bottom half of the League.
Lenox, James
b. August 19, 1800 d. February 21, 1880
Educator, Philanthropist. An American bibliophile, he was a founder of the Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. The son of a wealthy Scot merchant, he used his inheritance to acquire rare books and works of art. He donated his manuscripts and artwork to the City of New York, and the collection formed the foundation of the New York City Public Library.
b. May 18, 1919 d. February 21, 1991
Ballerina. She became the most internationally famous dancer of her age. Considered to be very lyrical and expressive, she is noted for her roles as ‘Giselle' and ‘Odette'. She studied with dancing masters H. Bosustov in Ealing, with G. Goncharov in Shanghai and with N. Legat and Astafieva in London before being accepted at Sadler's Wells School in 1934. In the same year with made her debut with the Vic Wells Ballet as a snowflake in 'The Nutcracker'.
Julius II, Pope
b. December 5, 1443 d. February 21, 1513
Catholic Pope.
Wilkinson, Theodore Stark
b. December 22, 1888 d. February 21, 1946
Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He graduated 1st in the United States Naval Academy class of 1909. Besides serving in the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, he also served in WWI and WWII. In WWI he was a member of the Bureau of Ordnance; here he helped to fulfill the creation of anti-submarine depth charges that were the backbone of the mission to mine the North Sea. Before WWII he served as Secretary of the General Board of the Navy.
Bates, Paul L.
b. March 4, 1908 d. February 21, 1995
United States Army Officer. He was the white Colonel who refused to court martial future Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson. Colonel Bates was the commander of the first black tank battalion to go into battle in World War II. At a segregated boot camp in Texas, he refused to court martial a black officer for refusing to move to the back of a bus at Fort Hood. That officer was Jackie Robinson, who was tried for insubordination, acquitted, and went on to break the color barrier in major.
Estes, Llewellyn
G. b. December 27, 1843 d. February 21, 1905
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War first as a Captain in the 1st Maine Volunteer Cavalry regiment, then as Major and Assistant Adjutant General on the Staff of Maj. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Flint River, Georgia on August 30, 1864. His citation reads “Voluntarily led troops in a charge over a burning bridge”. He had been ordered by General Oliver O. Howard to drive away rebel troops.
Jones, Sherman 'Roadblock'
b. February 10, 1935 d. February 21, 2007
Major League Baseball Player. He was a pitcher for three seasons (1960 to 1962) with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. He was a member of the 1961 National League Pennant-winning Reds. After retiring from baseball, Jones was a police officer in Kansas City, Kansas and later was elected to and served in both the Kansas State House of Representatives and Kansas State Senate. In 48 career regular season games, Jones won 2 and lost 6 with a 4.73 lifetime era.
Pearl, Daniel
b. October 10, 1963 d. February 21, 2002
Reporter for the Wall Street Journal. Kidnapped by Islamic extremists in Karachi, Pakistan on January 23, 2002. On February 21, 2002, he was confirmed dead by the United States Department of State.
Hayward, Louis
b. March 19, 1909 d. February 21, 1985
Actor. Born Seafield Grant in Johannesburg, South Africa. He made his Broadway debut in "Point Valaine" in 1934 and won the 'New York Critics Circle Award'. His first Hollywood movie was "The Flame Within" in 1935. Other film credits include "Anthony Adverse," "The Man in the Iron Mask" and "The Son of Monte Cristo." He was married for a time to actress Ida Lupino.
Moore, Robin
b. September 30, 1925 d. February 21, 2008
Author. Born Robert L. Moore, he is best known as the author of "The Green Berets" (1965) and "The French Connection" (1969). Both were made into famous films, "The Green Berets" starring John Wayne in 1968. "The French Connection", starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, won the Best Picture Oscar for 1971. His many novels included "Pitchman" (1966), "The Happy Hooker" (1972), "Dubai" (1976), "Tales of The Green Beret" (1985), "Area 51" (1997) and "Hunting Down Saddam" (2004).
Horton, Tim (Miles Gilbert)
b. January 12, 1930 d. February 21, 1974
Professional Hockey Player. A native of Cochrane, Ontario, Horton played for teams in the NHL, AHL, OHA-Jr, and the NOJHA hockey leagues. At 5'10", and 180lbs, he played for the Copper Cliff Jr. Redmen from 1946 to 1947, St. Michael's Majors from 1947 to 1949, Toronto Maple Leafs from 1949-1950, 1951-1970, Pittsburgh Hornets from 1949 to 1952, New York Rangers from 1969 to 1971, Pittsburgh Penguins from 1971 to 1972, and the Buffalo Sabres from 1972 to 1974.
Sims, Clifford Chester
b. June 18, 1942 d. February 21, 1968
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during the war in Viet Nam as a Staff Sergeant in Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on February 21, 1968. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Sims distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader.
Ruhl, Donald Jack
b. July 2, 1923 d. February 21, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Columbus, Montana, he was educated in the grammar schools of Columbus, and graduated from high school at Joliet, Montana, in 1942. During his High School years, he worked as a general farm hand on a 400-acre farm for $15 a week, room and board. The farm was ran with no mechanical machines, so it was here that he gained physical strength and endurance that would help him with his training in the Marine Corp.
Mizell, Vinegar Bend (Wilmer)
b. August 13, 1930 d. February 21, 1999
Major League Baseball Player, US Congressman. Tagged “Vinegar Bend Mizell” early in his career for his home town of Vinegar Bend, Alabama, he played Major League baseball as a pitcher for 9 seasons (1952 to 1953, 1956 to 1962) with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. Played his first 6 1/4 seasons with the Cardinals (he served in the US Army in 1954 and 1955), being a stalwart in a pitching rotation for teams that often finished in the bottom half of the League.
Lenox, James
b. August 19, 1800 d. February 21, 1880
Educator, Philanthropist. An American bibliophile, he was a founder of the Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. The son of a wealthy Scot merchant, he used his inheritance to acquire rare books and works of art. He donated his manuscripts and artwork to the City of New York, and the collection formed the foundation of the New York City Public Library.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 20
Douglass, Frederick
b. February 7, 1818 d. February 20, 1895
Social Reformer, Human Rights Leader. Black American who was one of the most eminent human rights leaders of the 19th century. His oratorical and literary brilliance thrust him into the forefront of the U.S. abolition movement and he became the first black citizen to hold hight rank in the U.S government. Separated as an infant from his slave mother, he never knew his white father, Frederick lived with his grandmother on a Maryland plantation until at the age of eight.
Nimitz, Chester W.
b. February 24, 1885 d. February 20, 1966
Fleet Admiral. He was born February 24, 1885 in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in 1901 and graduated in 1905. Submarines were his love, but he served on many kind of surface vessels as well. On December 31, 1941, he was appointed Commander-In-Chief in the Pacific (CinCPac). In 1944 he was promoted to the grade of Fleet Admiral. During the war he commanded more than two million men and thousands of ships and airplanes.
Dee, Sandra
b. April 23, 1942 d. February 20, 2005
Actress. Born Alexandra Zuck, she made her professional debut as a model at age four, was appearing in commercials by age twelve and at the age of fourteen made her first film, “Until they Sail.” In 1958 she won a Golden Globe Award for “Most Promising Newcomer.” She became known for her wholesome roles in such films as “Imitation of Life,” “Gidget” and “A Summer Place.” She had moderately successful film appearances in the 1960’s but never returned to the heights of popularity she enjoyed.
Peary, Robert Edwin
b. May 6, 1856 d. February 20, 1920
American explorer and Naval officer who led the first expedition to the North Pole. In 1909, Peary, Matthew A. Henson, and four Eskimos were the first people to reach the North Pole. In 1908, after having already attempted two trips to the North Pole, Peary and his party sailed to Ellesmere Island (at the far north of Canada) on the USS Roosevelt. In early March, 1909, the expedition (Matthew A. Henson, Dr. John W. Goodsell, Donald B. MacMillion, Ross G. Marvin, George Borup and Captain Robert.
York, Dick
b. September 4, 1928 d. February 20, 1992
Actor, most remembered for his role as Darrin Stephens, the often-frustrated husband of Elizabeth Montgomery, in the Television sitcom series, Bewitched. Born Richard Allen York in Fort Wayne, Indiana on 4 September 1928, he quickly found work in the entertainment industry. In 1943, at age 15, he became the star of the network radio program, "That Brewster Boy." Beginning in movies in 1947, with the role of Philip Norton in the film "Shy Guy" (1947), his roles were few and far between.
Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant
b. May 28, 1818 d. February 20, 1893
Civil War General. Fought at Ft. Sumter, First Manassas, Shiloh, commanded the Army of the Tennessee after A.S. Johnston was killed, Cornith, defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, defenses of Richmond, Drewry's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, defenses of Petersburg. Surrendered with General Joseph Johnston in late April, 1865.
Gowdy, Curt
b. July 31, 1919 d. February 20, 2006
Sportscaster. Began his career in 1944 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, broadcasting high school football games, then baseball and basketball in Oklahoma City, followed by work with Mel Allen and the New York Yankees in 1949 and then became the Boston Red Sox signature voice from 1951 to 1966. Left the Red Sox in 1966 for a 10-year stint as "Game of the Week" announcer for NBC and was also the longtime host of the "American Sportsman".
Ingram, Jack
b. November 15, 1902 d. February 20, 1969
Actor. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and died in Canoga Park, California. He often appeared in westerns in more than 200 films. Among others "Valley of Terror" (1937), "Ghost Valley Raiders" (1940), "Nevada City" (1941), "Man from Cheyenne" (1942), "The Bandit Queen" (1950) and "Lost in Alaska" (1952).
Pulaski, Casimir
b. March 6, 1748 d. February 20, 1779
Revolutionary War Continental Army Brigadier General. His bones were reinterred at Monterey Square on Bull Street.
Picton, Thomas
b. May 16, 1822 d. February 20, 1891
Journalist and Author. Founder and editor of the True American. Wrote the book "Paul Preston's Book of Gymnastics: or Sports for Youth." Real name was Thomas Picton Milner.
Standing Bear, Chief Luther
b. 1868 d. February 20, 1939
Author. Actor. Born Ota Kte, son of Standing Bear, an hereditary chief of the Lakota. Until the age of about ten, he lived a traditional life on the plains. At about age eleven in 1879, his father enrolled him in the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Once there, he was compelled to choose a name from a list on the wall. He randomly pointed at the symbols on a wall and named himself Luther. His father's name became his surname.
Mathies, Archibald
b. June 3, 1918 d. February 20, 1944
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps in the 8th Air Force. He was a Engineer and Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on February 20, 1944 over enemy occupied Europe. He was killed in action. His citation in part reads "After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, Sgt. Mathies' commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew.
Siskel, Gene (Eugene Kal)
b. January 26, 1946 d. February 20, 1999
Film Critic. One half of the famous Siskel and Ebert team. One of the most recognized film critics, Siskel joined the Chicago Tribune in 1969 as the film critic, a job he held for 19 years before his column was syndicated nationally. In 1975 he joined Chicago Sun Times critic Roger Ebert for a monthly PBS program called "Opening Soon at a Theater Near You". Shortly thereafter it became know as "At the Movies" and was shown every week.
Thomson, James McLean
b. February 4, 1834 d. February 20, 1893
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War a Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the 107th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for “gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., and for faithful and meritorious services during the war”. He later became a school teacher.
Larimer, Smith
b. March 17, 1829 d. February 20, 1881
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the Union Army in Company G, 2d Ohio Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on April 6, 1865 at Deatonsville (Sailor's Creek), Virginia. His citation reads "Capture of flag of Major General Joseph Brezard Kershaw's headquarters."
b. February 7, 1818 d. February 20, 1895
Social Reformer, Human Rights Leader. Black American who was one of the most eminent human rights leaders of the 19th century. His oratorical and literary brilliance thrust him into the forefront of the U.S. abolition movement and he became the first black citizen to hold hight rank in the U.S government. Separated as an infant from his slave mother, he never knew his white father, Frederick lived with his grandmother on a Maryland plantation until at the age of eight.
Nimitz, Chester W.
b. February 24, 1885 d. February 20, 1966
Fleet Admiral. He was born February 24, 1885 in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in 1901 and graduated in 1905. Submarines were his love, but he served on many kind of surface vessels as well. On December 31, 1941, he was appointed Commander-In-Chief in the Pacific (CinCPac). In 1944 he was promoted to the grade of Fleet Admiral. During the war he commanded more than two million men and thousands of ships and airplanes.
Dee, Sandra
b. April 23, 1942 d. February 20, 2005
Actress. Born Alexandra Zuck, she made her professional debut as a model at age four, was appearing in commercials by age twelve and at the age of fourteen made her first film, “Until they Sail.” In 1958 she won a Golden Globe Award for “Most Promising Newcomer.” She became known for her wholesome roles in such films as “Imitation of Life,” “Gidget” and “A Summer Place.” She had moderately successful film appearances in the 1960’s but never returned to the heights of popularity she enjoyed.
Peary, Robert Edwin
b. May 6, 1856 d. February 20, 1920
American explorer and Naval officer who led the first expedition to the North Pole. In 1909, Peary, Matthew A. Henson, and four Eskimos were the first people to reach the North Pole. In 1908, after having already attempted two trips to the North Pole, Peary and his party sailed to Ellesmere Island (at the far north of Canada) on the USS Roosevelt. In early March, 1909, the expedition (Matthew A. Henson, Dr. John W. Goodsell, Donald B. MacMillion, Ross G. Marvin, George Borup and Captain Robert.
York, Dick
b. September 4, 1928 d. February 20, 1992
Actor, most remembered for his role as Darrin Stephens, the often-frustrated husband of Elizabeth Montgomery, in the Television sitcom series, Bewitched. Born Richard Allen York in Fort Wayne, Indiana on 4 September 1928, he quickly found work in the entertainment industry. In 1943, at age 15, he became the star of the network radio program, "That Brewster Boy." Beginning in movies in 1947, with the role of Philip Norton in the film "Shy Guy" (1947), his roles were few and far between.
Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant
b. May 28, 1818 d. February 20, 1893
Civil War General. Fought at Ft. Sumter, First Manassas, Shiloh, commanded the Army of the Tennessee after A.S. Johnston was killed, Cornith, defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, defenses of Richmond, Drewry's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, defenses of Petersburg. Surrendered with General Joseph Johnston in late April, 1865.
Gowdy, Curt
b. July 31, 1919 d. February 20, 2006
Sportscaster. Began his career in 1944 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, broadcasting high school football games, then baseball and basketball in Oklahoma City, followed by work with Mel Allen and the New York Yankees in 1949 and then became the Boston Red Sox signature voice from 1951 to 1966. Left the Red Sox in 1966 for a 10-year stint as "Game of the Week" announcer for NBC and was also the longtime host of the "American Sportsman".
Ingram, Jack
b. November 15, 1902 d. February 20, 1969
Actor. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and died in Canoga Park, California. He often appeared in westerns in more than 200 films. Among others "Valley of Terror" (1937), "Ghost Valley Raiders" (1940), "Nevada City" (1941), "Man from Cheyenne" (1942), "The Bandit Queen" (1950) and "Lost in Alaska" (1952).
Pulaski, Casimir
b. March 6, 1748 d. February 20, 1779
Revolutionary War Continental Army Brigadier General. His bones were reinterred at Monterey Square on Bull Street.
Picton, Thomas
b. May 16, 1822 d. February 20, 1891
Journalist and Author. Founder and editor of the True American. Wrote the book "Paul Preston's Book of Gymnastics: or Sports for Youth." Real name was Thomas Picton Milner.
Standing Bear, Chief Luther
b. 1868 d. February 20, 1939
Author. Actor. Born Ota Kte, son of Standing Bear, an hereditary chief of the Lakota. Until the age of about ten, he lived a traditional life on the plains. At about age eleven in 1879, his father enrolled him in the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Once there, he was compelled to choose a name from a list on the wall. He randomly pointed at the symbols on a wall and named himself Luther. His father's name became his surname.
Mathies, Archibald
b. June 3, 1918 d. February 20, 1944
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps in the 8th Air Force. He was a Engineer and Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on February 20, 1944 over enemy occupied Europe. He was killed in action. His citation in part reads "After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, Sgt. Mathies' commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew.
Siskel, Gene (Eugene Kal)
b. January 26, 1946 d. February 20, 1999
Film Critic. One half of the famous Siskel and Ebert team. One of the most recognized film critics, Siskel joined the Chicago Tribune in 1969 as the film critic, a job he held for 19 years before his column was syndicated nationally. In 1975 he joined Chicago Sun Times critic Roger Ebert for a monthly PBS program called "Opening Soon at a Theater Near You". Shortly thereafter it became know as "At the Movies" and was shown every week.
Thomson, James McLean
b. February 4, 1834 d. February 20, 1893
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War a Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the 107th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for “gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., and for faithful and meritorious services during the war”. He later became a school teacher.
Larimer, Smith
b. March 17, 1829 d. February 20, 1881
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the Union Army in Company G, 2d Ohio Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on April 6, 1865 at Deatonsville (Sailor's Creek), Virginia. His citation reads "Capture of flag of Major General Joseph Brezard Kershaw's headquarters."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 19
Mitchell, William 'Billy'
b. December 29, 1879 d. February 19, 1936
United States Army General, Aviation Pioneer, Special Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. At the start of the Spanish-American War, he enlisted in the Army as a Private, and rose rapidly in the Signal Corps, which at first, controlled the development of Army aviation. In 1916, he learned to fly, and became the air adviser to General John J. Pershing in World War I. At the end of the war, Mitchell was promoted to Brigadier General, and made assistant chief of the Air Service.
Jones, Louis Marshall 'Grandpa'
b. October 20, 1914 d. February 19, 1998
Actor, Comedian. Co-star of the long-running Hee Haw television show. Grand Ole Opry member since 1947. Country Music Hall of Fame Member since 1978.
Paycheck, Johnny
b. May 31, 1938 d. February 19, 2003
Country Western Singer. Born Donald Eugene Lytle, he began playing guitar by age 6 and his recording career in the when he was 15, later changing his name to Johnny Paycheck in the 1960s. Paycheck is best remembered for his 1977 hit song, "Take This Job And Shove It" which sold over 2 million copies and inspired a motion picture by the same name. In 1985 he was convicted of shooting a man in the head in Hillsboro, Ohio, and spent two years in prison and in 1982.
Haish, Jacob
b. March 9, 1826 d. February 19, 1926Jacob Haish, inventor, manufacturer, financier and philanthropist died less than a month before his 100th birthday. His invention of barbed wire changed the history of the United States, making settlement in the frontier regions possible. He was the son of Christian Haish and Christina Layman. He married Sophia Ann Brown on May 24, 1847 in Naperville, Illinois, however, they had no children.
Heileman, Gottlieb
b. January 6, 1824 d. February 19, 1878
Brewer. He founded the brewery that became the huge G. Heileman Brewing Co. Born in Kirchheim, Wurttemberg (Germany), he emigrated to the USA in 1852, working first in Philadelphia and then went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1853 where he helped Gottlieb Maier found a bakery. In 1857 he moved to La Crosse and was employed in Nicolai brewery and the C&J Michel Brewery until he formed a partnership with Johan Gund in 1858 and they established the City Brewing Co.
Bradham, Caleb D.
b. May 27, 1867 d. February 19, 1934
Inventor of Pepsi.
Julian, Hubert Fauntleroy
b. September 21, 1897 d. February 19, 1983
Aviation Pioneer. Often known by his nicknames "The Black Eagle" and "The Black Eagle of Harlem." Some say that he was the first person of color to get a pilot's licence in the United States, for which there are other claimants, though he was certainly one of the first. He was a supporter of Marcus Garvey and in 1922 flew his plane over parades in support of Garvey. In 1924, Julian garnered sufficient financial backing for an attempt at a Trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Africa.
Fisher, Joseph Lyman
b. January 11, 1914 d. February 19, 1992
US Congressman. He served as an economist with the United States Department of State, 1942 to 1943, and served with the United States Army, 1943 to 1946. He was a senior economist with the Council of Economic Advisers from 1947 to 1953. He was elected to the United States Congress from Virginia, and served from 1975 to 1981. He later was a professor of political economy at George Mason University.
Cole, Darrell Samuel
b. July 20, 1920 d. February 19, 1945
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 20 July 1920, Flat River, Mo. Entered service at: Esther, Mo. Other Navy award: Bronze Star Medal. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as leader of a Machinegun Section of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima..
Papanicolaou, George
b. May 13, 1883 d. February 19, 1962
Creator of the Pap Smear test. Died while visiting his brother in Clinton, New Jersey, and Greece is still fighting to get his body back for burial in his homeland.
Rhodes, Julius Dexter
b. October 1, 1841 d. February 19, 1906Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Monroe County, Michigan. He entered the Union Army at Springville, Erie County, New York. He died in Washington, D.C. His highest rank was Sergeant Major. He was awarded the CMOH as a Private in Company F, 5th New York Cavalry for action on August 28, 30 1863 at Thoroughfare Gap & Bull Run, Virginia. His citation reads "After having had his horse shot under him in the fight at Throughfare Gap, VA.
Schenck, Benjamin W.
b. August 12, 1837 d. February 19, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Butler County, Ohio, he served as a Corporal in Company D, 116th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting at Maroa, Macon County, Illinois, on September 6, 1862. He would go on to be awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 22, 1863. His citation simply reads "Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." On the day in question 150 men were called to volunteer to make a "forlorn hope" diversionary.
Kramer, Stanley
b. September 29, 1913 d. February 19, 2001
Motion Picture Director. His credits include "The Defiant Ones," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Inherit the Wind," and numerous others.
Brown, Jeremiah Z.
b. November 7, 1839 d. February 19, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in as 1st Sergeant of Company K on September 7, 1862. After receiving promotions to 1st Lieutenant (November 15, 1863) and to Captain and company commander (July 31, 1864), he went on to perform a feat of bravery on October 27, 1864 during the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, that would see him awarded the CMOH. His citation for that act reads "With 100 selected volunteers.
Sieber, Al
b. February 29, 1844 d. February 19, 1907Western Frontiersman. A legendary United States Army scout and "Indian fighter, he was a native of Mingolsheim, Germany and later migrated to the United States. From his home in Minnesota, he enlisted at the age of 18 in Company B, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and fought in the Civil War, including the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg, At Gettysburg, he was seriously wounded in his regiments famous "forlorn hope" charge on the 2nd day of the engagement.
Basilone, John
b. November 4, 1916 d. February 19, 1945World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Known as "Manila John", he was one of the first Marines to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. On Sunday night October 25th, 1942, at Lunga Ridge on Guadalcanal, about 1,000 yards south of Henderson Field, Japanese troops attacked. One of the Marine section leaders facing them was Sergeant Basilone. Basilone stayed with his men, repairing guns and changing barrels in almost total darkness, while giving encouragement to his men.
Goshorn, Alfred T.
b. July 15, 1833 d. February 19, 1902
Baseball Pioneer. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1833, he graduated from Marietta College in 1854 and went on to earn a degree at the Cincinnati Law School in 1857. He also ventured into politics and served two terms as the head of the Cincinnati City Council. A few years after the Civil War started he left his law practice to enlist as a Captain in the Union Army with Company C of the 137th Ohio National Guard Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of Major before he was mustered out in 1864.
b. December 29, 1879 d. February 19, 1936
United States Army General, Aviation Pioneer, Special Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. At the start of the Spanish-American War, he enlisted in the Army as a Private, and rose rapidly in the Signal Corps, which at first, controlled the development of Army aviation. In 1916, he learned to fly, and became the air adviser to General John J. Pershing in World War I. At the end of the war, Mitchell was promoted to Brigadier General, and made assistant chief of the Air Service.
Jones, Louis Marshall 'Grandpa'
b. October 20, 1914 d. February 19, 1998
Actor, Comedian. Co-star of the long-running Hee Haw television show. Grand Ole Opry member since 1947. Country Music Hall of Fame Member since 1978.
Paycheck, Johnny
b. May 31, 1938 d. February 19, 2003
Country Western Singer. Born Donald Eugene Lytle, he began playing guitar by age 6 and his recording career in the when he was 15, later changing his name to Johnny Paycheck in the 1960s. Paycheck is best remembered for his 1977 hit song, "Take This Job And Shove It" which sold over 2 million copies and inspired a motion picture by the same name. In 1985 he was convicted of shooting a man in the head in Hillsboro, Ohio, and spent two years in prison and in 1982.
Haish, Jacob
b. March 9, 1826 d. February 19, 1926Jacob Haish, inventor, manufacturer, financier and philanthropist died less than a month before his 100th birthday. His invention of barbed wire changed the history of the United States, making settlement in the frontier regions possible. He was the son of Christian Haish and Christina Layman. He married Sophia Ann Brown on May 24, 1847 in Naperville, Illinois, however, they had no children.
Heileman, Gottlieb
b. January 6, 1824 d. February 19, 1878
Brewer. He founded the brewery that became the huge G. Heileman Brewing Co. Born in Kirchheim, Wurttemberg (Germany), he emigrated to the USA in 1852, working first in Philadelphia and then went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1853 where he helped Gottlieb Maier found a bakery. In 1857 he moved to La Crosse and was employed in Nicolai brewery and the C&J Michel Brewery until he formed a partnership with Johan Gund in 1858 and they established the City Brewing Co.
Bradham, Caleb D.
b. May 27, 1867 d. February 19, 1934
Inventor of Pepsi.
Julian, Hubert Fauntleroy
b. September 21, 1897 d. February 19, 1983
Aviation Pioneer. Often known by his nicknames "The Black Eagle" and "The Black Eagle of Harlem." Some say that he was the first person of color to get a pilot's licence in the United States, for which there are other claimants, though he was certainly one of the first. He was a supporter of Marcus Garvey and in 1922 flew his plane over parades in support of Garvey. In 1924, Julian garnered sufficient financial backing for an attempt at a Trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Africa.
Fisher, Joseph Lyman
b. January 11, 1914 d. February 19, 1992
US Congressman. He served as an economist with the United States Department of State, 1942 to 1943, and served with the United States Army, 1943 to 1946. He was a senior economist with the Council of Economic Advisers from 1947 to 1953. He was elected to the United States Congress from Virginia, and served from 1975 to 1981. He later was a professor of political economy at George Mason University.
Cole, Darrell Samuel
b. July 20, 1920 d. February 19, 1945
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 20 July 1920, Flat River, Mo. Entered service at: Esther, Mo. Other Navy award: Bronze Star Medal. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as leader of a Machinegun Section of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima..
Papanicolaou, George
b. May 13, 1883 d. February 19, 1962
Creator of the Pap Smear test. Died while visiting his brother in Clinton, New Jersey, and Greece is still fighting to get his body back for burial in his homeland.
Rhodes, Julius Dexter
b. October 1, 1841 d. February 19, 1906Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Monroe County, Michigan. He entered the Union Army at Springville, Erie County, New York. He died in Washington, D.C. His highest rank was Sergeant Major. He was awarded the CMOH as a Private in Company F, 5th New York Cavalry for action on August 28, 30 1863 at Thoroughfare Gap & Bull Run, Virginia. His citation reads "After having had his horse shot under him in the fight at Throughfare Gap, VA.
Schenck, Benjamin W.
b. August 12, 1837 d. February 19, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Butler County, Ohio, he served as a Corporal in Company D, 116th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting at Maroa, Macon County, Illinois, on September 6, 1862. He would go on to be awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 22, 1863. His citation simply reads "Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party." On the day in question 150 men were called to volunteer to make a "forlorn hope" diversionary.
Kramer, Stanley
b. September 29, 1913 d. February 19, 2001
Motion Picture Director. His credits include "The Defiant Ones," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Inherit the Wind," and numerous others.
Brown, Jeremiah Z.
b. November 7, 1839 d. February 19, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in as 1st Sergeant of Company K on September 7, 1862. After receiving promotions to 1st Lieutenant (November 15, 1863) and to Captain and company commander (July 31, 1864), he went on to perform a feat of bravery on October 27, 1864 during the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, that would see him awarded the CMOH. His citation for that act reads "With 100 selected volunteers.
Sieber, Al
b. February 29, 1844 d. February 19, 1907Western Frontiersman. A legendary United States Army scout and "Indian fighter, he was a native of Mingolsheim, Germany and later migrated to the United States. From his home in Minnesota, he enlisted at the age of 18 in Company B, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and fought in the Civil War, including the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg, At Gettysburg, he was seriously wounded in his regiments famous "forlorn hope" charge on the 2nd day of the engagement.
Basilone, John
b. November 4, 1916 d. February 19, 1945World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Known as "Manila John", he was one of the first Marines to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. On Sunday night October 25th, 1942, at Lunga Ridge on Guadalcanal, about 1,000 yards south of Henderson Field, Japanese troops attacked. One of the Marine section leaders facing them was Sergeant Basilone. Basilone stayed with his men, repairing guns and changing barrels in almost total darkness, while giving encouragement to his men.
Goshorn, Alfred T.
b. July 15, 1833 d. February 19, 1902
Baseball Pioneer. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1833, he graduated from Marietta College in 1854 and went on to earn a degree at the Cincinnati Law School in 1857. He also ventured into politics and served two terms as the head of the Cincinnati City Council. A few years after the Civil War started he left his law practice to enlist as a Captain in the Union Army with Company C of the 137th Ohio National Guard Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of Major before he was mustered out in 1864.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 18
Michelangelo (de Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni)
b. March 6, 1475 d. February 18, 1564
Sculptor, architect, painter. His father had close connections with the Medici family. When Michelangelo was 13, he was sent to painter Ghirlandaio. After two years he come at the sculpture school in the Medici gardens. His works "Battle of the Centaurs" and the "Madonna of the Stairs" was made while he was 16 years old. After Medici was temporarily expelled Michelangelo settled in Bologna and then went to Rome where he produced his first large sculpture "Bacchus."
Earnhardt Sr., Dale
b. April 29, 1951 d. February 18, 2001
Auto Race Car Driver. A legend in the sport of race car driving, he was a 7-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion. He was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 race.
James, Frank (Alexander)
b. January 10, 1843 d. February 18, 1915
Western Outlaw. He was born Alexander Franklin James in Kearney, Missouri to a Baptist minister. Frank was the first of four children. His father heeding a calling left for California with the intent of preaching to gold miners but contracted cholera and died. Frank's mother Zerelda would remarry two more times before her death resulting in four more children. Frank was self-taught after developing an interest in his late father's sizeable library.
Rossen, Robert
b. March 16, 1908 d. February 18, 1966
Motion Picture Director, Screenwriter, Producer. Born Robert Rosen to Russian-Jewish immigrants, he was raised in a rough neighborhood in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Following a stint as an amateur boxer, he began acting in stock and later became a playwright and director for the Washington Square Players and the Theatre Guild. When his play "The Body Beautiful" (1936) flopped on Broadway, he accepted an offer to come to Hollywood as a screenwriter.
Corbett, James 'Gentleman Jim'
b. September 1, 1866 d. February 18, 1933Professional Boxer. Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1892 to 1897. Known as “Gentleman Jim”, he was born in San Francisco, California. He attended college and even worked as a bank clerk, and learned his boxing not on the street like many young fighters but in sparring clubs like San Francisco's Olympic Club under the tutelage of Walter Watson. He turned professional at age 18 and achieved several impressive victories over Joe Choynski, Peter Jackson and Jake Kilrain.
Luther, Martin
b. November 10, 1483 d. February 18, 1546
Religious Leader, principal figure in the 16th Century "Reformation" of the Christian churches in Europe, Professor, Author, Bible translator.
Mathews, Edwin Lee
b. October 13, 1931 d. February 18, 2001
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Player. The premier third baseman of his era. He was a key member of the excellent Braves teams of the late 1950s His 512 homers ties him with Ernie Banks; and his 486 homers hit as a third baseman were a record until surpassed by Mike Schmidt. He was the starting third baseman for the Braves for fifteen years and two franchise shifts. Mathews once said that his most disappointing moment in baseball came one year after his most memorable.
Gilbreth Jr., Frank B.
b. March 17, 1911 d. February 18, 2001
Author. Born Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Junior in Plainfield, New Jersey the fifth child and eldest son of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, prominent management consultants and time-study experts. He grew up in Montclair, New Jersey with eleven brothers and sisters and was graduated from the University of Michigan, where he served as editor of the college newspaper, The Michigan Daily. He then worked as a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune.
Derickson, Uli
b. August 8, 1944 d. February 18, 2005
American Folk Hero. She was a flight attendant aboard Trans World Airlines Flight 847 that was hijacked by Shiite Muslim terrorists in June 1985. The flight began in Athens, Greece and ended in Beirut, Lebanon, where the crew and 39 passengers were held for 17 days. She is credited with saving many lives by shielding from the terrorists, the passports of passengers whose names sounded Jewish.
Caray, Harry
b. March 1, 1914 d. February 18, 1998
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Sportscaster. He was born Harry Christopher Carabina in St. Louis, Missouri on March 1, 1914 and was orphaned by age of 10. Caray played semi-pro baseball before beginning his career in broadcasting. Caray learned his craft at stations in Joliet and Kalamazoo, Michigan, eventually doing the play-by-play for the St. Louis Hawks and the University of Missouri football team.
Fernandez, Daniel D.
b. June 30, 1944 d. February 18, 1966
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a US Army Specialist 4th Class in Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, serving in the Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. On February 18, 1966, his patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and was driven back before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the attack.
Devine, Andy
b. October 7, 1905 d. February 18, 1977
Actor. Born in Flagstaff, Arizona, Andy's family moved to Kingman, Arizona when he was 1 year old. His father, having lost a leg as a railroad employee, had used the settlement money to purchase the Beale Hotel and Andy worked there as a child. A large, active boy, he suffered numerous broken bones growing up. His raspy voice was the result of a fall with a stick in his mouth which permanently damaged his vocal cords.
Luske, Hamilton
b. 1903 d. February 18, 1968
Legendary animator and animation director. Directed the timeless Disney films "Pinocchio," "Fantasia" (Pastoral Symphony scenes), "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan." He also directed the animation sequences in the classic "Mary Poppins" (1964).
Cooke, Jay
b. August 10, 1821 d. February 18, 1905
Union Civil War Financier. Jay Cooke was born in Sandusky, Ohio. The family estate was named Ogontz in honor of an Indian chief who once lived on the same land. The limestone dwelling overlooked Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. Jay's father, Eleutheros Cooke a lawyer, and mother Martha Caswell, were well educated easterners and very active politically. They braved a difficult journey from the east before settling in the untamed region around Sandusky in 1827.
Robinson, John Cleveland
b. April 10, 1817 d. February 18, 1897
Civil War Union Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Binghamton, New York, and received a private education at Oxford Academy, New York,; he then entered West Point on July 1, 1835. Dismissed from the school during his third year, in a disciplinary dispute on March 14, 1838, he briefly studied law but wrangled an appointment to the Regular Army, joining the 5th United States Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant on October 27, 1839.
Oppenheimer, J. Robert (Julius)
b. April 22, 1904 d. February 18, 1967
Nuclear Physicist. Known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb". Born in New York City, the son of German immigrants and textile importers, Oppenheimer attended Harvard University, where he excelled in languages, Eastern philosophy, physics and chemistry. In 1925, he studied energy and sub-atomic particles at Cavendish Laboratory, England, and a year later, at Gottingen University, he and Max Born developed their classical molecular quantum theory.
b. March 6, 1475 d. February 18, 1564
Sculptor, architect, painter. His father had close connections with the Medici family. When Michelangelo was 13, he was sent to painter Ghirlandaio. After two years he come at the sculpture school in the Medici gardens. His works "Battle of the Centaurs" and the "Madonna of the Stairs" was made while he was 16 years old. After Medici was temporarily expelled Michelangelo settled in Bologna and then went to Rome where he produced his first large sculpture "Bacchus."
Earnhardt Sr., Dale
b. April 29, 1951 d. February 18, 2001
Auto Race Car Driver. A legend in the sport of race car driving, he was a 7-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion. He was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 race.
James, Frank (Alexander)
b. January 10, 1843 d. February 18, 1915
Western Outlaw. He was born Alexander Franklin James in Kearney, Missouri to a Baptist minister. Frank was the first of four children. His father heeding a calling left for California with the intent of preaching to gold miners but contracted cholera and died. Frank's mother Zerelda would remarry two more times before her death resulting in four more children. Frank was self-taught after developing an interest in his late father's sizeable library.
Rossen, Robert
b. March 16, 1908 d. February 18, 1966
Motion Picture Director, Screenwriter, Producer. Born Robert Rosen to Russian-Jewish immigrants, he was raised in a rough neighborhood in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Following a stint as an amateur boxer, he began acting in stock and later became a playwright and director for the Washington Square Players and the Theatre Guild. When his play "The Body Beautiful" (1936) flopped on Broadway, he accepted an offer to come to Hollywood as a screenwriter.
Corbett, James 'Gentleman Jim'
b. September 1, 1866 d. February 18, 1933Professional Boxer. Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1892 to 1897. Known as “Gentleman Jim”, he was born in San Francisco, California. He attended college and even worked as a bank clerk, and learned his boxing not on the street like many young fighters but in sparring clubs like San Francisco's Olympic Club under the tutelage of Walter Watson. He turned professional at age 18 and achieved several impressive victories over Joe Choynski, Peter Jackson and Jake Kilrain.
Luther, Martin
b. November 10, 1483 d. February 18, 1546
Religious Leader, principal figure in the 16th Century "Reformation" of the Christian churches in Europe, Professor, Author, Bible translator.
Mathews, Edwin Lee
b. October 13, 1931 d. February 18, 2001
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Player. The premier third baseman of his era. He was a key member of the excellent Braves teams of the late 1950s His 512 homers ties him with Ernie Banks; and his 486 homers hit as a third baseman were a record until surpassed by Mike Schmidt. He was the starting third baseman for the Braves for fifteen years and two franchise shifts. Mathews once said that his most disappointing moment in baseball came one year after his most memorable.
Gilbreth Jr., Frank B.
b. March 17, 1911 d. February 18, 2001
Author. Born Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Junior in Plainfield, New Jersey the fifth child and eldest son of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, prominent management consultants and time-study experts. He grew up in Montclair, New Jersey with eleven brothers and sisters and was graduated from the University of Michigan, where he served as editor of the college newspaper, The Michigan Daily. He then worked as a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune.
Derickson, Uli
b. August 8, 1944 d. February 18, 2005
American Folk Hero. She was a flight attendant aboard Trans World Airlines Flight 847 that was hijacked by Shiite Muslim terrorists in June 1985. The flight began in Athens, Greece and ended in Beirut, Lebanon, where the crew and 39 passengers were held for 17 days. She is credited with saving many lives by shielding from the terrorists, the passports of passengers whose names sounded Jewish.
Caray, Harry
b. March 1, 1914 d. February 18, 1998
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Sportscaster. He was born Harry Christopher Carabina in St. Louis, Missouri on March 1, 1914 and was orphaned by age of 10. Caray played semi-pro baseball before beginning his career in broadcasting. Caray learned his craft at stations in Joliet and Kalamazoo, Michigan, eventually doing the play-by-play for the St. Louis Hawks and the University of Missouri football team.
Fernandez, Daniel D.
b. June 30, 1944 d. February 18, 1966
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a US Army Specialist 4th Class in Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, serving in the Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. On February 18, 1966, his patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and was driven back before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the attack.
Devine, Andy
b. October 7, 1905 d. February 18, 1977
Actor. Born in Flagstaff, Arizona, Andy's family moved to Kingman, Arizona when he was 1 year old. His father, having lost a leg as a railroad employee, had used the settlement money to purchase the Beale Hotel and Andy worked there as a child. A large, active boy, he suffered numerous broken bones growing up. His raspy voice was the result of a fall with a stick in his mouth which permanently damaged his vocal cords.
Luske, Hamilton
b. 1903 d. February 18, 1968
Legendary animator and animation director. Directed the timeless Disney films "Pinocchio," "Fantasia" (Pastoral Symphony scenes), "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan." He also directed the animation sequences in the classic "Mary Poppins" (1964).
Cooke, Jay
b. August 10, 1821 d. February 18, 1905
Union Civil War Financier. Jay Cooke was born in Sandusky, Ohio. The family estate was named Ogontz in honor of an Indian chief who once lived on the same land. The limestone dwelling overlooked Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. Jay's father, Eleutheros Cooke a lawyer, and mother Martha Caswell, were well educated easterners and very active politically. They braved a difficult journey from the east before settling in the untamed region around Sandusky in 1827.
Robinson, John Cleveland
b. April 10, 1817 d. February 18, 1897
Civil War Union Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Binghamton, New York, and received a private education at Oxford Academy, New York,; he then entered West Point on July 1, 1835. Dismissed from the school during his third year, in a disciplinary dispute on March 14, 1838, he briefly studied law but wrangled an appointment to the Regular Army, joining the 5th United States Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant on October 27, 1839.
Oppenheimer, J. Robert (Julius)
b. April 22, 1904 d. February 18, 1967
Nuclear Physicist. Known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb". Born in New York City, the son of German immigrants and textile importers, Oppenheimer attended Harvard University, where he excelled in languages, Eastern philosophy, physics and chemistry. In 1925, he studied energy and sub-atomic particles at Cavendish Laboratory, England, and a year later, at Gottingen University, he and Max Born developed their classical molecular quantum theory.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 17
Geronimo
b. 1829 d. February 17, 1909
American Indian Leader. Apache Shaman; Geronimo was the spiritual leader of a small group of Chiricahua Apaches, led by Naiche. He was born a Bedonkohe, raised after his father's death by the Chihenne (Warm Springs) people led by the great Mangas Coloradas, and later mostly aligned himself with the Chokonen (Cochise's People) and Nednai (a group led by Juh, of Northern Mexico). He outfought and evaded the US Army for many years. His boyhood name was Goyakle, which meant "he who yawns."
Newman, Alfred
b. March 17, 1901 d. February 17, 1970
Composer. One of Hollywood's most prolific and versatile film scorers, he had a seemingly inexhaustible gift for melody and did brilliant work in every conceivable genre. He was also an outstanding conductor. Newman received more Oscar nominations (45) than any other musician to date, and took home the award nine times, for "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1938), "Tin Pan Alley" (1940), "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), "Mother Wore Tights" (1947), "With a Song in My Heart" (1952).
Lumpkin, Smn. C.
d. February 17, 1864
Civil War Figure. Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Only his last name is actually known. Some have speculated that this crewmember may have been named Simpkins, but forensic genealogists say his name was most likely Lumpkin (Lumkin). A recently discovered Confederate States Navy Pay Roster from October 1863 lists C. Lumpkins. Also, there is a handwritten note by William Alexander, one of the Hunley’s builders, that states a Lumpkin worked onboard the submarine.
Brown, Oliver
b. July 25, 1753 d. February 17, 1846
Revolutionary War Continental Army Officer. He was at the Boston Tea Party, and served as a Captain of artillery in the Continental Army. On April 8, 1775 he stood in front of the first cannon fired by the British on the Americans at Lexington. He then commanded the party which destroyed the statue of King George III in New York City, July 9, 1776, and fought in the engagements at Bunker Hill, Harlem Heights, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth.
Rutgers, Henry
b. October 7, 1745 d. February 17, 1830
Patriot, Revolutionary War colonel, New York State legislator, civic leader, and philanthropist, Henry Rutgers' only memorial is the State University of New Jersey which bears his name. Although long believed to have been interred in Belleville, New Jersey, a recent investigation by Rutgers University revealed that he had been buried in and exhumed from two Dutch Reformed Lower Manhattan cemeteries, both defunct since the mid-1800s, before finally coming to rest in a mass grave in Brooklyn.
Vosler, Forrest L.
b. July 29, 1923 d. February 17, 1992
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps as a Technical Sergeant in the 358th Bomber Squadron, 303nd Bomber Group. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on December 20, 1943. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on 20 December 1943.
Halford, William
b. August 18, 1841 d. February 17, 1919
US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served with the United States Navy aboard the "USS Saginaw," a pre-Civil War side-wheel steamer. In 1870 the Saginaw was assigned to do a survey and deepen the entrance to the lagoon at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. While heading back to San Francisco Bay, the Saginaw detoured long enough to see if anyone may have been shipwrecked at Ocean Island.
Barretto, Ray
b. April 29, 1929 d. February 17, 2006
Jazz Musician. He was born in Brooklyn (New York), the son of Puerto Rican immigrants, and died in Hackensack (New Jersey). He was one of the most prolific and influential Latin percussionists in the history of modern jazz and a pioneer of the salsa movement. He released nearly two dozen albums with the Fania label from the late-'60s until salsa's popularity peaked in the mid-1980's.
Wright, Edward
b. 1829 d. February 17, 1901
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Quartermaster in the Union Navy. His citation reads "On board the USS Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts opened fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern, Wright conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action in which the attempts of three rebel steamers .
Hesseltine, Francis Snow
b. December 10, 1833 d. February 17, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Union Army in the 13th Maine Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Decemeber 30, 1863. His citation reads "In command of a detachment of 100 men, conducted a reconnaissance for two days, baffling and beating back an attacking force of more than 1000 Confederate cavalry, and regained his transport without loss."
MacDonald, Kimberly
b. April 18, 1964 d. February 17, 1970
Daughter and victim of Jeffrey MacDonald. He killed his pregnant wife and his two daughters in a murder spree that he tried to blame on "crazed hippies." The crime became the subject of the book "Fatal Vision" and a TV movie of the same name. The names on the MacDonald victims' graves have since been changed to 'Stevenson.'
Valdez, Jose F
b. January 3, 1925 d. February 17, 1945
US Army private, awarded the Medal of Honor, for actions against the enemy near Rosenkrantz, France, 25 Jan 1945. He covered the withdrawal of his patrol against two full companies of infantrymen. He was seriously wounded, but continued to fight, calling in artillery with 50 yds of his position. He fought 200 enemy until counterattack stopped. Died of wounds.
Graves, Terrence Collinson
b. July 6, 1945 d. February 17, 1968
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon commander with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company. While on a long-range reconnaissance mission, 2nd Lt. Graves' 8-man patrol observed 7 enemy soldiers approaching their position. Reacting instantly, he deployed his men and directed their fire on the approaching enemy.
Machrowicz, Thaddeus Michael
b. August 21, 1899 d. February 17, 1970
US Congressman. Elected to represent Michigan's 1st District in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1951 to 1961. Also served as a Municipal Judge from 1942 to 1950, Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Michigan in 1952 and 1956, and Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan from 1961 until his death in 1970.
Miller, Smn. Augustus
d. February 17, 1864
Civil War Figure, Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Seaman Miller may be the most elusive member of the HL Hunley. Only a few sketchy details are known. Miller stood 5'8" tall, above average for a man of the 19th century, yet he was one the smaller members of the crew. He was from Europe and had been in America for a relatively short period of time before he volunteered as a crewman for the Hunley.
Sholes, Christopher Latham
b. February 14, 1819 d. February 17, 1890
Sholes is credited as the U.S. inventor who developed the typewriter. The inscription on his tomb stone reads: "The Father of the Typewriter. Dedicated by The Young Men and Women of America In Grateful Memory of one who Materially aided in The World's Progress." He was granted a patent for the typewriter on June 23, 1868. Later improvements gained him two more patents, but due to difficulty in raising money for development, he sold his patent rights.
b. 1829 d. February 17, 1909
American Indian Leader. Apache Shaman; Geronimo was the spiritual leader of a small group of Chiricahua Apaches, led by Naiche. He was born a Bedonkohe, raised after his father's death by the Chihenne (Warm Springs) people led by the great Mangas Coloradas, and later mostly aligned himself with the Chokonen (Cochise's People) and Nednai (a group led by Juh, of Northern Mexico). He outfought and evaded the US Army for many years. His boyhood name was Goyakle, which meant "he who yawns."
Newman, Alfred
b. March 17, 1901 d. February 17, 1970
Composer. One of Hollywood's most prolific and versatile film scorers, he had a seemingly inexhaustible gift for melody and did brilliant work in every conceivable genre. He was also an outstanding conductor. Newman received more Oscar nominations (45) than any other musician to date, and took home the award nine times, for "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1938), "Tin Pan Alley" (1940), "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), "Mother Wore Tights" (1947), "With a Song in My Heart" (1952).
Lumpkin, Smn. C.
d. February 17, 1864
Civil War Figure. Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Only his last name is actually known. Some have speculated that this crewmember may have been named Simpkins, but forensic genealogists say his name was most likely Lumpkin (Lumkin). A recently discovered Confederate States Navy Pay Roster from October 1863 lists C. Lumpkins. Also, there is a handwritten note by William Alexander, one of the Hunley’s builders, that states a Lumpkin worked onboard the submarine.
Brown, Oliver
b. July 25, 1753 d. February 17, 1846
Revolutionary War Continental Army Officer. He was at the Boston Tea Party, and served as a Captain of artillery in the Continental Army. On April 8, 1775 he stood in front of the first cannon fired by the British on the Americans at Lexington. He then commanded the party which destroyed the statue of King George III in New York City, July 9, 1776, and fought in the engagements at Bunker Hill, Harlem Heights, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth.
Rutgers, Henry
b. October 7, 1745 d. February 17, 1830
Patriot, Revolutionary War colonel, New York State legislator, civic leader, and philanthropist, Henry Rutgers' only memorial is the State University of New Jersey which bears his name. Although long believed to have been interred in Belleville, New Jersey, a recent investigation by Rutgers University revealed that he had been buried in and exhumed from two Dutch Reformed Lower Manhattan cemeteries, both defunct since the mid-1800s, before finally coming to rest in a mass grave in Brooklyn.
Vosler, Forrest L.
b. July 29, 1923 d. February 17, 1992
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps as a Technical Sergeant in the 358th Bomber Squadron, 303nd Bomber Group. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on December 20, 1943. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on 20 December 1943.
Halford, William
b. August 18, 1841 d. February 17, 1919
US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served with the United States Navy aboard the "USS Saginaw," a pre-Civil War side-wheel steamer. In 1870 the Saginaw was assigned to do a survey and deepen the entrance to the lagoon at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. While heading back to San Francisco Bay, the Saginaw detoured long enough to see if anyone may have been shipwrecked at Ocean Island.
Barretto, Ray
b. April 29, 1929 d. February 17, 2006
Jazz Musician. He was born in Brooklyn (New York), the son of Puerto Rican immigrants, and died in Hackensack (New Jersey). He was one of the most prolific and influential Latin percussionists in the history of modern jazz and a pioneer of the salsa movement. He released nearly two dozen albums with the Fania label from the late-'60s until salsa's popularity peaked in the mid-1980's.
Wright, Edward
b. 1829 d. February 17, 1901
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Quartermaster in the Union Navy. His citation reads "On board the USS Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts opened fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern, Wright conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action in which the attempts of three rebel steamers .
Hesseltine, Francis Snow
b. December 10, 1833 d. February 17, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Union Army in the 13th Maine Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Decemeber 30, 1863. His citation reads "In command of a detachment of 100 men, conducted a reconnaissance for two days, baffling and beating back an attacking force of more than 1000 Confederate cavalry, and regained his transport without loss."
MacDonald, Kimberly
b. April 18, 1964 d. February 17, 1970
Daughter and victim of Jeffrey MacDonald. He killed his pregnant wife and his two daughters in a murder spree that he tried to blame on "crazed hippies." The crime became the subject of the book "Fatal Vision" and a TV movie of the same name. The names on the MacDonald victims' graves have since been changed to 'Stevenson.'
Valdez, Jose F
b. January 3, 1925 d. February 17, 1945
US Army private, awarded the Medal of Honor, for actions against the enemy near Rosenkrantz, France, 25 Jan 1945. He covered the withdrawal of his patrol against two full companies of infantrymen. He was seriously wounded, but continued to fight, calling in artillery with 50 yds of his position. He fought 200 enemy until counterattack stopped. Died of wounds.
Graves, Terrence Collinson
b. July 6, 1945 d. February 17, 1968
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon commander with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company. While on a long-range reconnaissance mission, 2nd Lt. Graves' 8-man patrol observed 7 enemy soldiers approaching their position. Reacting instantly, he deployed his men and directed their fire on the approaching enemy.
Machrowicz, Thaddeus Michael
b. August 21, 1899 d. February 17, 1970
US Congressman. Elected to represent Michigan's 1st District in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1951 to 1961. Also served as a Municipal Judge from 1942 to 1950, Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Michigan in 1952 and 1956, and Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan from 1961 until his death in 1970.
Miller, Smn. Augustus
d. February 17, 1864
Civil War Figure, Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Seaman Miller may be the most elusive member of the HL Hunley. Only a few sketchy details are known. Miller stood 5'8" tall, above average for a man of the 19th century, yet he was one the smaller members of the crew. He was from Europe and had been in America for a relatively short period of time before he volunteered as a crewman for the Hunley.
Sholes, Christopher Latham
b. February 14, 1819 d. February 17, 1890
Sholes is credited as the U.S. inventor who developed the typewriter. The inscription on his tomb stone reads: "The Father of the Typewriter. Dedicated by The Young Men and Women of America In Grateful Memory of one who Materially aided in The World's Progress." He was granted a patent for the typewriter on June 23, 1868. Later improvements gained him two more patents, but due to difficulty in raising money for development, he sold his patent rights.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 16
Thompson, Henry A.
b. 1841 d. February 16, 1889
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. His true name was Roderick P. Connelly. He served as a Private in the United States Marine Corps. His citation reads "On board the USS Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Thompson advanced partly through a breach in the palisades and nearer to the fort than any man from his ship despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men.
Monroe, Pvt. James Howard
b. October 17, 1944 d. February 16, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. At Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam, on February 16, 1967, Pfc. Monroe’s platoon was deployed in a night ambush when the position was suddenly subjected to an intense grenade attack. Responding to the calls for help from the wounded men Pfc. Monroe moved forward through heavy small-arms fire to the foxhole.
Kennedy, Charles R.
b. 1871 d. February 16, 1950
Playwright.
Wilson, Charles
b. December 15, 1852 d. February 16, 1943
Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He entered the United States Army at Beardstown, Illinois and served as a Corporal in Company H, 5th United States Infantry. His Medal of Honor actions took place at Cedar Creek, Montana (and other surrounding areas) during the period October 21, 1876 to January 8, 1877. His citation (issued April 27, 1877) reads simply "Gallantry in action."
O'Kane, Richard H.
b. February 2, 1911 d. February 16, 1994
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Commander and commanding officer of the submarine "USS Tang". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the vicinity Philippine Islands, on October 23 and 24, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Tang operating against 2 enemy Japanese convoys on 23 and 24.
Creech, Jesse Orin
b. August 22, 1895 d. February 16, 1948
World War I Fighter Ace. A native of Harlan, Kentucky, initially joined the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917. After training in Canada, he subsequently transferred to the United States Army Air Service and served as a flight instructor in Texas. In early 1918, he was assigned to the 148th Aero Squadron. Flying the Sopwith Camel aircraft, he earned a total of 7 victories in air combat. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Meacham, Alfred B.
b. 1826 d. February 16, 1882
Indian Agent. Author. He was appointed the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon in 1869. Unlike others in the position before him, he did not treat the Indians as savages, but as intelligent people. A year after he resigned, he was part of a commission working for peace among the Mordoc Indians. During what was to have been a peaceful meeting with Mordoc leaders, the Indians attacked the peace officials. Two men on the commission, including General Edward Richard Sprigg Canby were killed..
Taylor, Joseph
d. February 16, 1912
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Army as Private in Company E, 7th Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Weldon Railroad, Virginia, on August 18, 1864. His citation reads "While acting as an orderly to a general officer on the field and alone, encountered a picket of three of the enemy and compeled their surrender."
Slaughter, John Horton
b. October 3, 1841 d. February 16, 1922
Western Lawman. He was Civil War veteran, Texas Ranger, trail-driver, cattle-king, sheriff, distinguished Arizona represntative and professional gambler. Walt Disney produced a television western series about his life called "Texas John Slaughter".
Tucker, Jacob R.
b. March 1, 1845 d. February 16, 1926
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the US Army in Company G, 4th Maryland Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Petersburg, Virgina on April 1, 1865. His citation reads "Was one of three soldiers most conspicuous in the final assault."
Kane, Elisha
b. February 3, 1820 d. February 16, 1857
Explorer. He was part of the Grinnell Expedition of 1850, which went to the Arctic Circle to find the remains of the 1845-1846 Sir John Franklin expedition. He led a second expedition to the area, and persevered through great hardships His expedition's tale of survival became popular 19th Century reading subject. His brother, Civil War General Thomas L. Kane, was buried in Elisha Kane's tomb until removed in 1884 to be reburied in Kane, Pennsylvania.
Smith, Elmelindo R.
b. July 27, 1935 d. February 16, 1967Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Viet Nam War in the United States Army first as a Platoon Sergeant in the 1st Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on February 16, 1967. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Buhl, Bob
b. August 12, 1928 d. February 16, 2001
Major League Baseball Player. He was a pitcher in fifteen seasons (1953 to 1967) with the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He was a member of the 1957 World Champion Braves. During that season, Buhl won 18 games and posted a 2.74 ERA. He was a member of the 1960 National League All Star Team. He will be remembered by many as being the player (along with pitcher Larry Jackson) traded by the Cubs in 1966 to the Phillies in exchange for future hall of fame pitcher Ferguson.
Moore, William
b. May 18, 1837 d. February 16, 1918
He served as boatswain's mate on board the USS Benton during the attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, 27 December 1862. Wounded during the hour-and-a-half engagement in which the enemy had the dead-range of the vessel and was punishing her with heavy fire, he served courageously in carrying lines to shore until the Benton was order to withdraw.
Masters, William Howell
b. December 27, 1915 d. February 16, 2001Medical Pioneer. One half of Masters and Johnson. Along with psychologist (and wife) Virginia Johnson they helped pioneer the field of sex therapy and clinical counseling.
Koch, Howard W. (Winchel)
b. April 11, 1916 d. February 16, 2001Motion picture producer and director. He was producer or executive producer in "Fort Yuma" (1955), "The Manchurian candidate" (1962) and "The odd couple" (1968). Also he directed fims such as "Jungle heat" (1957) and "Andy Hardy comes home" (1958). He worked as director on such TV series as "Cheyenne" or "The untouchables" and was the head of Paramount Pictures. He died from Alzheimer' disease and was cremated in Los Angeles and his ashes was scattered in Turkey Crossing location over Utah.
Willan, Healey
b. October 12, 1880 d. February 16, 1968Organist, music writer.
Crutcher, Tommy Joe
b. August 10, 1941 d. February 16, 2002
Professional Football Player. He played as a linebacker with the Green Bay Packers, helping them win three straight National Football League titles and the first two Super Bowls. He was a stand out All American at Texas Christian before being drafted by the Packers. He played pro football from 1964 to 1972.
b. 1841 d. February 16, 1889
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. His true name was Roderick P. Connelly. He served as a Private in the United States Marine Corps. His citation reads "On board the USS Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Thompson advanced partly through a breach in the palisades and nearer to the fort than any man from his ship despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men.
Monroe, Pvt. James Howard
b. October 17, 1944 d. February 16, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. At Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam, on February 16, 1967, Pfc. Monroe’s platoon was deployed in a night ambush when the position was suddenly subjected to an intense grenade attack. Responding to the calls for help from the wounded men Pfc. Monroe moved forward through heavy small-arms fire to the foxhole.
Kennedy, Charles R.
b. 1871 d. February 16, 1950
Playwright.
Wilson, Charles
b. December 15, 1852 d. February 16, 1943
Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He entered the United States Army at Beardstown, Illinois and served as a Corporal in Company H, 5th United States Infantry. His Medal of Honor actions took place at Cedar Creek, Montana (and other surrounding areas) during the period October 21, 1876 to January 8, 1877. His citation (issued April 27, 1877) reads simply "Gallantry in action."
O'Kane, Richard H.
b. February 2, 1911 d. February 16, 1994
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Commander and commanding officer of the submarine "USS Tang". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the vicinity Philippine Islands, on October 23 and 24, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Tang operating against 2 enemy Japanese convoys on 23 and 24.
Creech, Jesse Orin
b. August 22, 1895 d. February 16, 1948
World War I Fighter Ace. A native of Harlan, Kentucky, initially joined the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917. After training in Canada, he subsequently transferred to the United States Army Air Service and served as a flight instructor in Texas. In early 1918, he was assigned to the 148th Aero Squadron. Flying the Sopwith Camel aircraft, he earned a total of 7 victories in air combat. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Meacham, Alfred B.
b. 1826 d. February 16, 1882
Indian Agent. Author. He was appointed the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon in 1869. Unlike others in the position before him, he did not treat the Indians as savages, but as intelligent people. A year after he resigned, he was part of a commission working for peace among the Mordoc Indians. During what was to have been a peaceful meeting with Mordoc leaders, the Indians attacked the peace officials. Two men on the commission, including General Edward Richard Sprigg Canby were killed..
Taylor, Joseph
d. February 16, 1912
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Army as Private in Company E, 7th Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Weldon Railroad, Virginia, on August 18, 1864. His citation reads "While acting as an orderly to a general officer on the field and alone, encountered a picket of three of the enemy and compeled their surrender."
Slaughter, John Horton
b. October 3, 1841 d. February 16, 1922
Western Lawman. He was Civil War veteran, Texas Ranger, trail-driver, cattle-king, sheriff, distinguished Arizona represntative and professional gambler. Walt Disney produced a television western series about his life called "Texas John Slaughter".
Tucker, Jacob R.
b. March 1, 1845 d. February 16, 1926
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the US Army in Company G, 4th Maryland Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Petersburg, Virgina on April 1, 1865. His citation reads "Was one of three soldiers most conspicuous in the final assault."
Kane, Elisha
b. February 3, 1820 d. February 16, 1857
Explorer. He was part of the Grinnell Expedition of 1850, which went to the Arctic Circle to find the remains of the 1845-1846 Sir John Franklin expedition. He led a second expedition to the area, and persevered through great hardships His expedition's tale of survival became popular 19th Century reading subject. His brother, Civil War General Thomas L. Kane, was buried in Elisha Kane's tomb until removed in 1884 to be reburied in Kane, Pennsylvania.
Smith, Elmelindo R.
b. July 27, 1935 d. February 16, 1967Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Viet Nam War in the United States Army first as a Platoon Sergeant in the 1st Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on February 16, 1967. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Buhl, Bob
b. August 12, 1928 d. February 16, 2001
Major League Baseball Player. He was a pitcher in fifteen seasons (1953 to 1967) with the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He was a member of the 1957 World Champion Braves. During that season, Buhl won 18 games and posted a 2.74 ERA. He was a member of the 1960 National League All Star Team. He will be remembered by many as being the player (along with pitcher Larry Jackson) traded by the Cubs in 1966 to the Phillies in exchange for future hall of fame pitcher Ferguson.
Moore, William
b. May 18, 1837 d. February 16, 1918
He served as boatswain's mate on board the USS Benton during the attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, 27 December 1862. Wounded during the hour-and-a-half engagement in which the enemy had the dead-range of the vessel and was punishing her with heavy fire, he served courageously in carrying lines to shore until the Benton was order to withdraw.
Masters, William Howell
b. December 27, 1915 d. February 16, 2001Medical Pioneer. One half of Masters and Johnson. Along with psychologist (and wife) Virginia Johnson they helped pioneer the field of sex therapy and clinical counseling.
Koch, Howard W. (Winchel)
b. April 11, 1916 d. February 16, 2001Motion picture producer and director. He was producer or executive producer in "Fort Yuma" (1955), "The Manchurian candidate" (1962) and "The odd couple" (1968). Also he directed fims such as "Jungle heat" (1957) and "Andy Hardy comes home" (1958). He worked as director on such TV series as "Cheyenne" or "The untouchables" and was the head of Paramount Pictures. He died from Alzheimer' disease and was cremated in Los Angeles and his ashes was scattered in Turkey Crossing location over Utah.
Willan, Healey
b. October 12, 1880 d. February 16, 1968Organist, music writer.
Crutcher, Tommy Joe
b. August 10, 1941 d. February 16, 2002
Professional Football Player. He played as a linebacker with the Green Bay Packers, helping them win three straight National Football League titles and the first two Super Bowls. He was a stand out All American at Texas Christian before being drafted by the Packers. He played pro football from 1964 to 1972.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 15
Cole, Nat King
b. March 17, 1919 d. February 15, 1965
Singer and Actor. He is best remembered for his 28 gold records, including "Sweet Lorraine", "Ramblin' Rose", and "Mona Lisa." He also appeared in 28 films and television stories, usually playing himself, including "Cat Ballou" (1965), and "Breakfast in Hollywood" (1943). Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, he received music lessons from his mother. His family moved to Chicago when he was 5, where his father, Rev. Edward James Coles, was minister at the True Light Baptist Church.
Merman (Zimmerman), Ethel (Ethel Agnes)
b. January 16, 1908 d. February 15, 1984
Entertainer. One of the most celebrated performers of the Broadway Musical stage. Her loud, brash singing style made her an overnight sensation when she belted out "I Got Rhythm" in the 1930 production of Girl Crazy. Among her most notable Broadway performances were Anything Goes, Panama Hattie, Call Me Madam, Gypsy, Hello Dolly and "Annie Get Your Gun" in which she sang her signature song, "There's No Business Like Show Business."
Burt, James Montross
b. July 18, 1917 d. February 15, 2006
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. A native of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, he entered service in Lee, Massachusetts. He served as a Captain in the United States Army, Company B, 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division. He was awarded his medal for action near Wurselen, Germany, on October 13, 1944. His citation reads-Citation: Capt. James M. Burt was in command of Company B, 66th Armored Regiment on the western outskirts of Wurselen, Germany, on 13 October 1944, when his…
Willett, Louis E.
b. June 19, 1945 d. February 15, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Killed in action in Vietnam. Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force.
Ramsay, Douglas
b. 1945 d. February 15, 1961
US Junior Figure Skating champion. He was the US men's 4th place skating alternate for the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in 1961. He was a member of the 1961 US Figure Skating Team who perished on their way to the 1961 Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He made the trip because the Bronze medal winner, Tim Brown, could not participate due to health reasons.
Pierce, Dallas 'Larry'
b. 1937 d. February 15, 1961
1961 US Figure Skating Dance Champion. He was with his skating partner of only a few months, Diane Sherbloom, due to the fact that his regular partner broke her ankle. Larry started skating at 17 and was the winner of over 13 awards at the time of his death. He perished with the entire US Figure Skating Team in a plane.
Kelley, Gregory Eric
b. 1944 d. February 15, 1961
1961 US Men's Silver Medallist and North American Bronze Medallist. He was a former US Junior men's champion. He was a member of the Broadmoor Skating Club and was traveling with his US Figure Skating teammates to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague when the plane crashed killing all on board.
Hickox, William Holmes
b. March 28, 1942 d. February 15, 1961
Figure skater and Air Force Cadet. Brother and pairs skating partner of Laurie Hickox. They won the 1960 National Junior Pairs figure skating championships and third place at the 1961 National pairs figure skating championships. Member of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team.
Michelson, Rhode Lee
b. 1943 d. February 15, 1961
Figure Skater. She won the US Nationals Ladies Novice Championship in 1958. She placed third for the 1959 US Junior Ladies Championship, and in 1960, she placed second in the US Junior Ladies Championship. In 1961, she was the US Ladies Senior Bronze Medalist, and member of the World Figure Skating Team. She was killed on February 15, 1961, along with the entier US World Figure Skating Team when their plane crashed..
Sullivan, Patrick Peter
b. February 2, 1885 d. February 15, 1933
Animator, Illustrator, Film Producer. Real name Patrick O'Sullivan. A native of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, he is best known for his work with Otto Mesmer, and as producer of the first animated silent cartoons of Felix The Cat. Educated at the Art Society of New South Wales, Sullivan worked at various jobs including as a gatekeeper at the famed Toohey's Brewery in Surry Hills, Australia, while doing his first caricaturist assignments.
Richards, Dudley
b. February 4, 1932 d. February 15, 1961
Figure Skater. Partner of Maribel Yerxa Owen. Member of the 1960 Olympic team and the 1961 World Figure Skating team. The entire 1961 US Figure Skating Team, including coaches, family members, and crew perished as their plane crashed while enroute to the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Owen, Maribel Yerxa
b. April 25, 1940 d. February 15, 1961Maribel Y. Owen was the oldest daughter of 9-time US National Ladies champion Maribel Vinson Owen and 1929 Canadian Junior Men's champion Guy Owen. Maribel was the US National pairs champion with her partner Dudley Richards.
Stevenson, McLean
b. November 14, 1927 d. February 15, 1996
Character Actor, Comedy Writer. He was born Edgar McLean Stevenson in the Illinois area known as the twin cities, Normal-Bloomigton to a father who was a cardiologist. His extended family was a provider of famous politicians to the American scene. While attending Bloomington High School he was active in sports however there was never any indication of an acting career.
Creek, Thomas Elbert
b. April 7, 1950 d. February 15, 1969
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served in the United States Marine Corps during the War in Viet Nam as a Lance Corporal in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on February 13, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy.
Evans, Ray
b. February 4, 1915 d. February 15, 2007
Songwriter. In the 1930s, he teamed up with composer Jay Livingston and together were considered among Hollywood's greatest songwriters. The team wrote 26 songs that reportedly sold more than 1 million copies each. He was awarded best song Academy Award Oscars for "Buttons and Bows" (1948), "Mona Lisa" (1950) and "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" (1956). Evans earned four other Oscar nominations for "The Cat and the Canary" (1945), "Tammy" (1957), "Almost in Your Arms" (1958).
Sherbloom, Diane Carol
b. September 21, 1942 d. February 15, 1961
Ice Dancer. She won the 1961 national Ice Dancing championshps with her partner Larry Pierce, and was a member of the 1961 US World Figure Skating Team. All team members, coaches, family, and crew perished as their plane crashed while enroute to the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Goldin, Theodore W.B.
b. July 25, 1858 d. February 15, 1935
Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the United States Army in Troop G, 7th US Calvary. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on June 26, 1876 at Little Big Horn, Montana. His citation reads "One of a party of volunteers who, under a heavy fire from the Indians, went for and brought water to the wounded."
Pierce, Gilbert Ashville
b. January 11, 1839 d. February 15, 1901
US Senator, US Diplomat. Served as a Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War. Served as a United States Senator from North Dakota from 1889 to 1891. Also served as a Member of the Indiana State House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869, and United States Minister to Portugal in 1893.
Owen, Laurence Rochon
b. May 9, 1944 d. February 15, 1961
Olympic Athlete. In 1961, she won both the United States and North American Ladies Figure Skating championships. She was considered America's hope for gold at the 1964 Winter Olympics. Daughter of 1929 Canadian Junior Men's champion Guy Owen and 9-time US National champion Maribel Vinson Owen.
b. March 17, 1919 d. February 15, 1965
Singer and Actor. He is best remembered for his 28 gold records, including "Sweet Lorraine", "Ramblin' Rose", and "Mona Lisa." He also appeared in 28 films and television stories, usually playing himself, including "Cat Ballou" (1965), and "Breakfast in Hollywood" (1943). Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, he received music lessons from his mother. His family moved to Chicago when he was 5, where his father, Rev. Edward James Coles, was minister at the True Light Baptist Church.
Merman (Zimmerman), Ethel (Ethel Agnes)
b. January 16, 1908 d. February 15, 1984
Entertainer. One of the most celebrated performers of the Broadway Musical stage. Her loud, brash singing style made her an overnight sensation when she belted out "I Got Rhythm" in the 1930 production of Girl Crazy. Among her most notable Broadway performances were Anything Goes, Panama Hattie, Call Me Madam, Gypsy, Hello Dolly and "Annie Get Your Gun" in which she sang her signature song, "There's No Business Like Show Business."
Burt, James Montross
b. July 18, 1917 d. February 15, 2006
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. A native of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, he entered service in Lee, Massachusetts. He served as a Captain in the United States Army, Company B, 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division. He was awarded his medal for action near Wurselen, Germany, on October 13, 1944. His citation reads-Citation: Capt. James M. Burt was in command of Company B, 66th Armored Regiment on the western outskirts of Wurselen, Germany, on 13 October 1944, when his…
Willett, Louis E.
b. June 19, 1945 d. February 15, 1967
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Killed in action in Vietnam. Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force.
Ramsay, Douglas
b. 1945 d. February 15, 1961
US Junior Figure Skating champion. He was the US men's 4th place skating alternate for the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in 1961. He was a member of the 1961 US Figure Skating Team who perished on their way to the 1961 Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He made the trip because the Bronze medal winner, Tim Brown, could not participate due to health reasons.
Pierce, Dallas 'Larry'
b. 1937 d. February 15, 1961
1961 US Figure Skating Dance Champion. He was with his skating partner of only a few months, Diane Sherbloom, due to the fact that his regular partner broke her ankle. Larry started skating at 17 and was the winner of over 13 awards at the time of his death. He perished with the entire US Figure Skating Team in a plane.
Kelley, Gregory Eric
b. 1944 d. February 15, 1961
1961 US Men's Silver Medallist and North American Bronze Medallist. He was a former US Junior men's champion. He was a member of the Broadmoor Skating Club and was traveling with his US Figure Skating teammates to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague when the plane crashed killing all on board.
Hickox, William Holmes
b. March 28, 1942 d. February 15, 1961
Figure skater and Air Force Cadet. Brother and pairs skating partner of Laurie Hickox. They won the 1960 National Junior Pairs figure skating championships and third place at the 1961 National pairs figure skating championships. Member of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team.
Michelson, Rhode Lee
b. 1943 d. February 15, 1961
Figure Skater. She won the US Nationals Ladies Novice Championship in 1958. She placed third for the 1959 US Junior Ladies Championship, and in 1960, she placed second in the US Junior Ladies Championship. In 1961, she was the US Ladies Senior Bronze Medalist, and member of the World Figure Skating Team. She was killed on February 15, 1961, along with the entier US World Figure Skating Team when their plane crashed..
Sullivan, Patrick Peter
b. February 2, 1885 d. February 15, 1933
Animator, Illustrator, Film Producer. Real name Patrick O'Sullivan. A native of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, he is best known for his work with Otto Mesmer, and as producer of the first animated silent cartoons of Felix The Cat. Educated at the Art Society of New South Wales, Sullivan worked at various jobs including as a gatekeeper at the famed Toohey's Brewery in Surry Hills, Australia, while doing his first caricaturist assignments.
Richards, Dudley
b. February 4, 1932 d. February 15, 1961
Figure Skater. Partner of Maribel Yerxa Owen. Member of the 1960 Olympic team and the 1961 World Figure Skating team. The entire 1961 US Figure Skating Team, including coaches, family members, and crew perished as their plane crashed while enroute to the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Owen, Maribel Yerxa
b. April 25, 1940 d. February 15, 1961Maribel Y. Owen was the oldest daughter of 9-time US National Ladies champion Maribel Vinson Owen and 1929 Canadian Junior Men's champion Guy Owen. Maribel was the US National pairs champion with her partner Dudley Richards.
Stevenson, McLean
b. November 14, 1927 d. February 15, 1996
Character Actor, Comedy Writer. He was born Edgar McLean Stevenson in the Illinois area known as the twin cities, Normal-Bloomigton to a father who was a cardiologist. His extended family was a provider of famous politicians to the American scene. While attending Bloomington High School he was active in sports however there was never any indication of an acting career.
Creek, Thomas Elbert
b. April 7, 1950 d. February 15, 1969
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served in the United States Marine Corps during the War in Viet Nam as a Lance Corporal in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on February 13, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy.
Evans, Ray
b. February 4, 1915 d. February 15, 2007
Songwriter. In the 1930s, he teamed up with composer Jay Livingston and together were considered among Hollywood's greatest songwriters. The team wrote 26 songs that reportedly sold more than 1 million copies each. He was awarded best song Academy Award Oscars for "Buttons and Bows" (1948), "Mona Lisa" (1950) and "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" (1956). Evans earned four other Oscar nominations for "The Cat and the Canary" (1945), "Tammy" (1957), "Almost in Your Arms" (1958).
Sherbloom, Diane Carol
b. September 21, 1942 d. February 15, 1961
Ice Dancer. She won the 1961 national Ice Dancing championshps with her partner Larry Pierce, and was a member of the 1961 US World Figure Skating Team. All team members, coaches, family, and crew perished as their plane crashed while enroute to the Worlds Figure Skating Championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Goldin, Theodore W.B.
b. July 25, 1858 d. February 15, 1935
Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the United States Army in Troop G, 7th US Calvary. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on June 26, 1876 at Little Big Horn, Montana. His citation reads "One of a party of volunteers who, under a heavy fire from the Indians, went for and brought water to the wounded."
Pierce, Gilbert Ashville
b. January 11, 1839 d. February 15, 1901
US Senator, US Diplomat. Served as a Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War. Served as a United States Senator from North Dakota from 1889 to 1891. Also served as a Member of the Indiana State House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869, and United States Minister to Portugal in 1893.
Owen, Laurence Rochon
b. May 9, 1944 d. February 15, 1961
Olympic Athlete. In 1961, she won both the United States and North American Ladies Figure Skating championships. She was considered America's hope for gold at the 1964 Winter Olympics. Daughter of 1929 Canadian Junior Men's champion Guy Owen and 9-time US National champion Maribel Vinson Owen.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 14
Cook, James
b. October 27, 1728 d. February 14, 1779
Navigator, Explorer, Mapmaker. Mapped the coast of Newfoundland and later explored much of the Pacific basin. "Discovered" Hawaii in 1778 and named them the Sandwich Islands, after the voyage's sponsor, the Earl of Sandwich. On a later visit he was killed by native Hawaiians. It is presumed that his bones were later given to the Royal Navy and returned to Britain.
Sitman, William S.
b. August 9, 1923 d. February 14, 1951
Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army in Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on February 14, 1951 near Chipyong-ni, Korea. He was killed in action. His citation in part reads "In the ensuing action, the enemy lobbed a grenade into the position and Sfc. Sitman, fully aware of the odds against him, selflessly threw himself on it, absorbing the full force of the attack.
Sherman, William Tecumseh
b. February 8, 1820 d. February 14, 1891
Civil War General, businessman, and author. General Sherman led an army of sixty-two thousand men with thirty-five thousand horses and twenty-five hundred wagons on an overland march to Savannah on a mission to punish the south for its secession from the union. He cut his army off from the union supply line allowing the troops to forage and sustain them self by feeding off the land. From Savannah, a swath of utter destruction was left by Shermans Army.
Mullen, Patrick
b. May 6, 1844 d. February 14, 1897
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Double Recipient. His true name was Mullin, and he was one of a handful of United States military personnel to be awarded two Medals of Honor. The first award was for action during the Civil War while he served as a Boatswain's Mate in the Union Navy. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Mattox Creek, Virginia. His citation reads "Served as boatswain's mate on board the "USS Wyandank" during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, 17 March 1865.
Horton, William C.
b. July 21, 1876 d. February 14, 1969
Boxer Rebellion Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the American Chinese Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion as a Private in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Peking, China. His citation reads "In action against the enemy at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Horton assisted in the erection of barricades". His Medal was issued on July 19, 1901.
Hincks, Edward Winslow
b. May 30, 1830 d. February 14, 1894
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Born in Bucksport, Maine, he received a common school education, then traveled to Bangor to became a printer. He dropped the "c" from his family name in early life but reinstated it in 1871. In 1849 he moved to Boston, attained prominence, and by 1855 was a member of the Massachusetts legislature, and the city council. The following year he was appointed to a position in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Stokes, John S.
b. June 12, 1871 d. February 14, 1923
Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor Recipient. He was serving as Chief Master-at-Arms in the United States Navy when he earned his Medal. His citation reads: On board the U.S.S. New York off the coast of Jamaica, 31 March 1899. Showing gallant conduct, Stokes jumped overboard and assisted in the rescue of Peter Mahoney, watertender, U.S. Navy. He was awarded his Medal on July 29, 1899.
Sweatt, Joseph Sewell-Gerrish
b. October 23, 1843 d. February 14, 1914
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a prisoner of war. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company C, 6th Massachusetts Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 15, 1863 at Carrsville, Virginia. His citation reads "When ordered to retreat, this soldier turned and rushed back to the front, in the face of heavy fire from the enemy, in an endeavor to rescue his wounded comrades, remaining by them until overpowered and taken prisoner."
Dodds, Warren 'Baby' b.
December 24, 1898 d. February 14, 1959
Jazz Drummer. He was the younger brother of jazz clarinetist Johnny Dodds. Baby Dodds was one of first great drummers of Jazz and the brother of Johnny Dodds. Baby got his start playing in parades in New Orleans, occasionally with Frankie Dusen's Eagle Band. He played briefly with his brother in Kid Ory's Band, but was embarrassed when all the musicians walked off stage because of his poor playing. This incident spurred him on to become a better musician.
Wodehouse, P.G. (Pelham Grenville)
b. October 15, 1881 d. February 14, 1975
English-born comic novelist, short-story writer, lyricist, and playwright, best known as the creator of Jeeves, the supreme 'gentleman's gentleman.' He wrote more than 90 books and more than 20 film scripts and collaborated on more than 30 plays and musical comedies.
Gilmour, Sutherland Campbell 'Suddie'
b. 1884 d. February 14, 1932
Professional Hockey Player. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, he was the brother of hockey players, David Gordon Gilmour and Hamilton Livingstone 'Billy Gilmour. Along with his two brothers and four others he was a member of the Ottawa Silver Seven club, later the Ottawa Senators from 1903 to 1904. Gilmour played the position of Left Wing and was a talented stick handler and skater as well. In 1903 and 1904 he helped his team win two Stanley Cup games.
Card, Benjamin Cozzens
b. February 15, 1825 d. February 14, 1916
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. At the beginning of the Civil War he was appointed to the United States Regular Army's Quartermaster Department duelly as a 1st Lieutenant in the 12th United States Regular Infantry (to give him Regular Army athority) and a Captain of United States Volunteers. Eventually promoted to Colonel, US Volunteers, his war duties included being Chief of the 7th Division (Military Trains and Incendental Allowances".
Landis, Dr. Eugene Markley
b. April 4, 1901 d. February 14, 1987
Cardiovascular Physiologist. He was the first person to design a method of measuring the blood pressure in the capillary system and wrote more than 130 publications on the subject. His work with Ernest Starling resulted in the Starling-Landis equation for capillary filtration. In his career he was a Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia, Professor of Physiology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct Professor of Biology at Lehigh University. He also served as President.
Smallwood, William
b. 1732 d. February 14, 1792
Revolutionary War Army Officer, Maryland Governor. Smallwood was educated in England and Maryland and became a tobacco farmer and merchant. He was elected to Maryland's colonial legislature in 1760, serving until 1775. At the start of the Revolution he commanded the first Maryland battalion to join the Continental Army. Smallwood's unit saw action at the Battle of Long Island, where a rearguard action of Maryland and Delaware soldiers prevented the destruction of the Army.
Sabine, Dr. Andrew
b. January 11, 1831 d. February 14, 1915
Dr. Andrew Sabine was one of the four regiment Field Officers of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and he is credited with the first use of anesthesia on the battlefield during the Civil War. Dr. Andrew Sabine came to Garden City, Kansas, on July 1, 1884, from Marysville, Ohio. He was a thoroughly competent, and an educated physician and surgeon, and had the respect of virtually every soldier that he came into contact with.
Bausch, John Jacob
b. July 25, 1830 d. February 14, 1926
Businessman. He was a co-founder of Bausch And Lomb, Incorporated.
b. October 27, 1728 d. February 14, 1779
Navigator, Explorer, Mapmaker. Mapped the coast of Newfoundland and later explored much of the Pacific basin. "Discovered" Hawaii in 1778 and named them the Sandwich Islands, after the voyage's sponsor, the Earl of Sandwich. On a later visit he was killed by native Hawaiians. It is presumed that his bones were later given to the Royal Navy and returned to Britain.
Sitman, William S.
b. August 9, 1923 d. February 14, 1951
Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army in Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on February 14, 1951 near Chipyong-ni, Korea. He was killed in action. His citation in part reads "In the ensuing action, the enemy lobbed a grenade into the position and Sfc. Sitman, fully aware of the odds against him, selflessly threw himself on it, absorbing the full force of the attack.
Sherman, William Tecumseh
b. February 8, 1820 d. February 14, 1891
Civil War General, businessman, and author. General Sherman led an army of sixty-two thousand men with thirty-five thousand horses and twenty-five hundred wagons on an overland march to Savannah on a mission to punish the south for its secession from the union. He cut his army off from the union supply line allowing the troops to forage and sustain them self by feeding off the land. From Savannah, a swath of utter destruction was left by Shermans Army.
Mullen, Patrick
b. May 6, 1844 d. February 14, 1897
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Double Recipient. His true name was Mullin, and he was one of a handful of United States military personnel to be awarded two Medals of Honor. The first award was for action during the Civil War while he served as a Boatswain's Mate in the Union Navy. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Mattox Creek, Virginia. His citation reads "Served as boatswain's mate on board the "USS Wyandank" during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, 17 March 1865.
Horton, William C.
b. July 21, 1876 d. February 14, 1969
Boxer Rebellion Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the American Chinese Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion as a Private in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Peking, China. His citation reads "In action against the enemy at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Horton assisted in the erection of barricades". His Medal was issued on July 19, 1901.
Hincks, Edward Winslow
b. May 30, 1830 d. February 14, 1894
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Born in Bucksport, Maine, he received a common school education, then traveled to Bangor to became a printer. He dropped the "c" from his family name in early life but reinstated it in 1871. In 1849 he moved to Boston, attained prominence, and by 1855 was a member of the Massachusetts legislature, and the city council. The following year he was appointed to a position in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Stokes, John S.
b. June 12, 1871 d. February 14, 1923
Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor Recipient. He was serving as Chief Master-at-Arms in the United States Navy when he earned his Medal. His citation reads: On board the U.S.S. New York off the coast of Jamaica, 31 March 1899. Showing gallant conduct, Stokes jumped overboard and assisted in the rescue of Peter Mahoney, watertender, U.S. Navy. He was awarded his Medal on July 29, 1899.
Sweatt, Joseph Sewell-Gerrish
b. October 23, 1843 d. February 14, 1914
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a prisoner of war. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company C, 6th Massachusetts Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 15, 1863 at Carrsville, Virginia. His citation reads "When ordered to retreat, this soldier turned and rushed back to the front, in the face of heavy fire from the enemy, in an endeavor to rescue his wounded comrades, remaining by them until overpowered and taken prisoner."
Dodds, Warren 'Baby' b.
December 24, 1898 d. February 14, 1959
Jazz Drummer. He was the younger brother of jazz clarinetist Johnny Dodds. Baby Dodds was one of first great drummers of Jazz and the brother of Johnny Dodds. Baby got his start playing in parades in New Orleans, occasionally with Frankie Dusen's Eagle Band. He played briefly with his brother in Kid Ory's Band, but was embarrassed when all the musicians walked off stage because of his poor playing. This incident spurred him on to become a better musician.
Wodehouse, P.G. (Pelham Grenville)
b. October 15, 1881 d. February 14, 1975
English-born comic novelist, short-story writer, lyricist, and playwright, best known as the creator of Jeeves, the supreme 'gentleman's gentleman.' He wrote more than 90 books and more than 20 film scripts and collaborated on more than 30 plays and musical comedies.
Gilmour, Sutherland Campbell 'Suddie'
b. 1884 d. February 14, 1932
Professional Hockey Player. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, he was the brother of hockey players, David Gordon Gilmour and Hamilton Livingstone 'Billy Gilmour. Along with his two brothers and four others he was a member of the Ottawa Silver Seven club, later the Ottawa Senators from 1903 to 1904. Gilmour played the position of Left Wing and was a talented stick handler and skater as well. In 1903 and 1904 he helped his team win two Stanley Cup games.
Card, Benjamin Cozzens
b. February 15, 1825 d. February 14, 1916
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. At the beginning of the Civil War he was appointed to the United States Regular Army's Quartermaster Department duelly as a 1st Lieutenant in the 12th United States Regular Infantry (to give him Regular Army athority) and a Captain of United States Volunteers. Eventually promoted to Colonel, US Volunteers, his war duties included being Chief of the 7th Division (Military Trains and Incendental Allowances".
Landis, Dr. Eugene Markley
b. April 4, 1901 d. February 14, 1987
Cardiovascular Physiologist. He was the first person to design a method of measuring the blood pressure in the capillary system and wrote more than 130 publications on the subject. His work with Ernest Starling resulted in the Starling-Landis equation for capillary filtration. In his career he was a Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia, Professor of Physiology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct Professor of Biology at Lehigh University. He also served as President.
Smallwood, William
b. 1732 d. February 14, 1792
Revolutionary War Army Officer, Maryland Governor. Smallwood was educated in England and Maryland and became a tobacco farmer and merchant. He was elected to Maryland's colonial legislature in 1760, serving until 1775. At the start of the Revolution he commanded the first Maryland battalion to join the Continental Army. Smallwood's unit saw action at the Battle of Long Island, where a rearguard action of Maryland and Delaware soldiers prevented the destruction of the Army.
Sabine, Dr. Andrew
b. January 11, 1831 d. February 14, 1915
Dr. Andrew Sabine was one of the four regiment Field Officers of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and he is credited with the first use of anesthesia on the battlefield during the Civil War. Dr. Andrew Sabine came to Garden City, Kansas, on July 1, 1884, from Marysville, Ohio. He was a thoroughly competent, and an educated physician and surgeon, and had the respect of virtually every soldier that he came into contact with.
Bausch, John Jacob
b. July 25, 1830 d. February 14, 1926
Businessman. He was a co-founder of Bausch And Lomb, Incorporated.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Died On This Date - Feb. 13
Jennings, Waylon Arnold
b. June 15, 1937 d. February 13, 2002Maverick Country Western Singer. Famed for such hits as "I'm a Ramblin' Man" and "Good Hearted Woman." Recorded over 60 albums, and had sixteen No. 1 country singles. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001. His parents were William Albert Jennings and Lorene Beatrice Shipley. Born in Texas, he started his music career at age 12, and in 1959, he gave up his seat to J.P. Richardson on the plane that carried Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson to their deaths.
Patee, John
b. August 8, 1794 d. February 13, 1868
Father of the well known Patee family in St. Joseph during the 1850's. The Patee house was built in 1856-1858 and served as the headquarters for the Pony Express from 1860-1861. It is now a National Historic Landmark. The Patee hotel cost $180,000 and had 140 guest rooms. It was the headquarters of the Pony Express in 1860-61. During the Civil War it contained the U.S. Provost Marshal's office, and a recruiting office for the Union Army.
Lounsbery, John
b. March 9, 1911 d. February 13, 1976
Renowned Disney Studios animator. He joined the studio in 1935, and quickly worked his way up to become one of Disney's "Nine Old Men" of classic animation. Among his timeless character works are Ben Ali of "Fantasia," Honest John in "Pinocchio," Timothy in "Dumbo," and Tony in "Lady and the Tramp." As Animation Director, he worked on "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Winnie the Pooh" to name a few. He was honored as a Disney Legend in 1989.
Wagner, Richard
b. May 22, 1813 d. February 13, 1883
Composer. At the age of fifteen he wrote his first play and a year later his first musical composition. He was mostly self taught in music, even he did study privately when he was a university student in Leipzig. He wrote his first opera when he was twenty. His first great success came with "Rienzi" in 1842, followed soon after by "The Flying Dutchman," "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin."
Felton Jr., Hilton Clay "Pianoman"
b. January 1, 1947 d. February 13, 2007
Jazz Musician. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Felton was a celebrated jazz pianist and church organist. Felton became interested in music at a young age, mainly while attending the Rising Sun Baptist Church, where his father was the pastor. By the age of 9, the young Felton was the church's organist. He began studying classical music, which led him to jazz. In 1965, he moved to Washington, D.C.
Janssen (Mayer), David (David Harold)
b. March 27, 1931 d. February 13, 1980
Actor. Born in Nebraska but moved to Hollywood with his family during his teenage years. Had a successful movie career under Universal where he did approximately fifty movies from the 1950s through the 1970s to include "Francis Goes to West Point," "Bonzo Goes to College," and "The Green Berets." His television series included "Richard Diamond, Private Eye," "O'Hara, U.S. Treasury" and "Harry O" but he is best remembered as Richard Kimble in "The Fugitive."
Clark, George Rogers
b. November 9, 1752 d. February 13, 1818
Revolutionary War commander, surveyor. Led secret military expedition approved by Virginia Gov. Patrick Henry to wrest control of the Northwest territory from England and her Indian allies. In the process, founded Louisville, Kentucky as a base camp for his campaigns. Royal Lt. Gov. Henry Hamilton of Detroit surrended to Clark's numerically inferior forces in February 1779, securing what became Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois for the United States.
Weber, Dick
b. December 23, 1929 d. February 13, 2005
Professional Bowler. He won 26 PBA Tour events and six Senior Tour events. He was a founding member of the Professional Bowlers Association. When ABC started broadcasting the PBA on television, he was one of the first bowling television star. He was also named national bowler of the year three times, in 1961, 1963 and 1965, along with being in the PBA Hall of Fame and the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. He was the father of PBA star Pete Weber.
Marsh (Arms), Mae
b. November 9, 1895 d. February 13, 1968
Silent Film star. She was the daughter of a Santa Fe railroad auditor that died when she was only four years old. Her stepfather died in the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco after which time her great aunt, a former actress and chorus girl took her to Los Angeles. In 1910 Mae began her acting career in film work for Mack Sennett and D.W. Griffith. Her breakout role was as a stone-age maiden in 1912's Man's Genesis.
Balsam, Martin
b. November 4, 1919 d. February 13, 1996
Actor. Appeared on stage, on television, and in motion pictures. Dubbed the "Bronx Barrymore," he won a Tony award for his stage role in "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running." He appeared in numerous movies, including "Psycho," and "A Thousand Clowns," for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His hundreds of television appearances included a regular role as Carroll O'Connor's business partner in "Archie Bunker's Place."
Bucquet, Harold Spencer
b. April 10, 1891 d. February 13, 1946
British-born Motion Picture Director. In Hollywood from 1924, he joined the newly-formed MGM as a bit player and worked his way up to directing short subjects. One of them, "Torture Money" from the "Crime Does Not Pay" series, won an Academy Award in 1937. The following year he was promoted to features. Bucquet's assignements were mostly B pictures but he was able to give them a high degree of visual polish. With "Young Dr. Kildare" (1938) he launched the popular "Dr. Kildare" series starring.
Devereux, Arthur Forrester
b. April 27, 1838 d. February 13, 1906
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. A Harvard graduate, he was Colonel and commander of the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who, along with the 42nd New York Volunteer Infantry, is credited with meeting the "high tide" of the Confederacy at Gettysburg and halting Armistead's breakthrough at the Union center. According to reports by Army of the Potomac II Corps commander Major General Winfield S. Hancock, Colonel Devereux, seeing Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead's.
b. June 15, 1937 d. February 13, 2002Maverick Country Western Singer. Famed for such hits as "I'm a Ramblin' Man" and "Good Hearted Woman." Recorded over 60 albums, and had sixteen No. 1 country singles. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001. His parents were William Albert Jennings and Lorene Beatrice Shipley. Born in Texas, he started his music career at age 12, and in 1959, he gave up his seat to J.P. Richardson on the plane that carried Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson to their deaths.
Patee, John
b. August 8, 1794 d. February 13, 1868
Father of the well known Patee family in St. Joseph during the 1850's. The Patee house was built in 1856-1858 and served as the headquarters for the Pony Express from 1860-1861. It is now a National Historic Landmark. The Patee hotel cost $180,000 and had 140 guest rooms. It was the headquarters of the Pony Express in 1860-61. During the Civil War it contained the U.S. Provost Marshal's office, and a recruiting office for the Union Army.
Lounsbery, John
b. March 9, 1911 d. February 13, 1976
Renowned Disney Studios animator. He joined the studio in 1935, and quickly worked his way up to become one of Disney's "Nine Old Men" of classic animation. Among his timeless character works are Ben Ali of "Fantasia," Honest John in "Pinocchio," Timothy in "Dumbo," and Tony in "Lady and the Tramp." As Animation Director, he worked on "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Winnie the Pooh" to name a few. He was honored as a Disney Legend in 1989.
Wagner, Richard
b. May 22, 1813 d. February 13, 1883
Composer. At the age of fifteen he wrote his first play and a year later his first musical composition. He was mostly self taught in music, even he did study privately when he was a university student in Leipzig. He wrote his first opera when he was twenty. His first great success came with "Rienzi" in 1842, followed soon after by "The Flying Dutchman," "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin."
Felton Jr., Hilton Clay "Pianoman"
b. January 1, 1947 d. February 13, 2007
Jazz Musician. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Felton was a celebrated jazz pianist and church organist. Felton became interested in music at a young age, mainly while attending the Rising Sun Baptist Church, where his father was the pastor. By the age of 9, the young Felton was the church's organist. He began studying classical music, which led him to jazz. In 1965, he moved to Washington, D.C.
Janssen (Mayer), David (David Harold)
b. March 27, 1931 d. February 13, 1980
Actor. Born in Nebraska but moved to Hollywood with his family during his teenage years. Had a successful movie career under Universal where he did approximately fifty movies from the 1950s through the 1970s to include "Francis Goes to West Point," "Bonzo Goes to College," and "The Green Berets." His television series included "Richard Diamond, Private Eye," "O'Hara, U.S. Treasury" and "Harry O" but he is best remembered as Richard Kimble in "The Fugitive."
Clark, George Rogers
b. November 9, 1752 d. February 13, 1818
Revolutionary War commander, surveyor. Led secret military expedition approved by Virginia Gov. Patrick Henry to wrest control of the Northwest territory from England and her Indian allies. In the process, founded Louisville, Kentucky as a base camp for his campaigns. Royal Lt. Gov. Henry Hamilton of Detroit surrended to Clark's numerically inferior forces in February 1779, securing what became Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois for the United States.
Weber, Dick
b. December 23, 1929 d. February 13, 2005
Professional Bowler. He won 26 PBA Tour events and six Senior Tour events. He was a founding member of the Professional Bowlers Association. When ABC started broadcasting the PBA on television, he was one of the first bowling television star. He was also named national bowler of the year three times, in 1961, 1963 and 1965, along with being in the PBA Hall of Fame and the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. He was the father of PBA star Pete Weber.
Marsh (Arms), Mae
b. November 9, 1895 d. February 13, 1968
Silent Film star. She was the daughter of a Santa Fe railroad auditor that died when she was only four years old. Her stepfather died in the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco after which time her great aunt, a former actress and chorus girl took her to Los Angeles. In 1910 Mae began her acting career in film work for Mack Sennett and D.W. Griffith. Her breakout role was as a stone-age maiden in 1912's Man's Genesis.
Balsam, Martin
b. November 4, 1919 d. February 13, 1996
Actor. Appeared on stage, on television, and in motion pictures. Dubbed the "Bronx Barrymore," he won a Tony award for his stage role in "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running." He appeared in numerous movies, including "Psycho," and "A Thousand Clowns," for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His hundreds of television appearances included a regular role as Carroll O'Connor's business partner in "Archie Bunker's Place."
Bucquet, Harold Spencer
b. April 10, 1891 d. February 13, 1946
British-born Motion Picture Director. In Hollywood from 1924, he joined the newly-formed MGM as a bit player and worked his way up to directing short subjects. One of them, "Torture Money" from the "Crime Does Not Pay" series, won an Academy Award in 1937. The following year he was promoted to features. Bucquet's assignements were mostly B pictures but he was able to give them a high degree of visual polish. With "Young Dr. Kildare" (1938) he launched the popular "Dr. Kildare" series starring.
Devereux, Arthur Forrester
b. April 27, 1838 d. February 13, 1906
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. A Harvard graduate, he was Colonel and commander of the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who, along with the 42nd New York Volunteer Infantry, is credited with meeting the "high tide" of the Confederacy at Gettysburg and halting Armistead's breakthrough at the Union center. According to reports by Army of the Potomac II Corps commander Major General Winfield S. Hancock, Colonel Devereux, seeing Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead's.
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