Died On This Date

2009-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

August 5

Monroe (Baker), Marilyn (Norma Jean)
b. June 1, 1926 d. August 5, 1962
Actress. In a career that spanned 16 years, with no acting experience and through the promotion of her sex symbol image, Marilyn became a Hollywood media star and a legend while making 29 movies. She was born in Los Angeles at General Hospital to unmarried Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker. Cause of death: Overdose of Nembutal and Chloral Hydrate.

Burton, Richard
b. November 10, 1925 d. August 5, 1984
Actor. He is best remembered for his roles in such movies as "Cleopatra" (1963), "Where Eagles Dare" (1971), "Raid on Rommel" (1973), as the voice of Sir Winston Churchill in the television series, "The Valiant Years," and for being married to Actress Elizabeth Taylor twice. Born in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, as Richard Walter Jenkins, Jr, he would take his stage name from his former schoolteacher, Philip Burton, and grew up speaking Cymraeg (Welsh) as well as English.

Guinness, Alec
b. April 2, 1914 d. August 5, 2000
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of 'Colonel Nicholson' in the motion picture "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" (1957), and for his role of 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' in the first three "Star Wars" films (1977 to 1983). Despite many rumors to the contrary, he never spoke the words "May the Force be with you" in any of the Star Wars movies. Born in London, England, he was raised by his mother, and never knew his father.

Died On This Date

2009-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

August 4

Andersen, Hans Christian
b. April 2, 1805 d. August 4, 1875
Writer. Famous for his fairy tales. His father was a poor shoemaker and literate, who believed he was of aristocratic origin. Andersen's mother worked as washerwoman. He declined into alcoholism and died in 1833 in a charitable old people's home. Andersen's half-sister Karen Marie worked as a prostitute for some time. She contacted her famous brother only a few times before dying in 1846. Andersen received little education. As a child he was highly emotional, suffering all kinds of fears.

Mature, Victor John
b. January 29, 1913 d. August 4, 1999
Actor. He appeared in musicals, westerns, comedies, historical epics and melodramas. The brawny star of the 1940s and '50s appeared in 50 credit movies mostly with 20th Century Fox. His most noted are now classics..."Samson and Delilah" playing Samson and "My Darling Clementine" playing Doc Holliday. He was born to Italian immigrant parents as Victor Joseph Maturi in Louisville, Kentucky the only survivor of three children. Cause of death: Leukemia.

Died On This Date

2009-08-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

August 3

Jones, Carolyn
b. April 28, 1930 d. August 3, 1983
Actress. She is best remembered for her role of Morticia Frump Addams on "The Addams Family" television show (1964-1966). Born Carolyn Sue Jones in Amarillo, Texas, her father abandoned the family in 1933 when he lost his job in the Great Depression, and her mother moved the family in with her parents, then also living in Amarillo. As a child, she suffered from asthma, but loved to go to the movies, and while in school, she won several awards for speech, poetry and dramatics. Cause of death: Cancer.

Lupino, Ida
b. February 4, 1918 d. August 3, 1995
Actress, Writer and Director. Ida Lupino is best known as a pioneering figure in the world of female filmmakers. Born into a British theater family in Camberwall, London, England, Ida was encouraged to enter the world of show business by both her parents and her uncle, actor and theater manager, Lupino Lane. In 1931, Ida made her film debut in the "The Love Race." She would continue playing minor roles until 1939, when she appeared in the drama, "The Light That Failed."

Died On This Date

2009-08-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

August 2

Bell, Alexander Graham
b. March 3, 1847 d. August 2, 1922
Inventor, Educator. He is famous not only as an inventor, but also as an educator and writer of books to help people who cannot speak or hear. Born in Edinburgh Scotland, he emigrated to Canada along with his family. He was hired to teach in Boston at a school for children not being able to speak nor hear. His home remained America for the rest of his life and he became an American citizen. Through his teachings, he became interested in the sound of the human voice which led to his invention. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Hickok, James Butler 'Wild Bill'
b. May 27, 1837 d. August 2, 1876
Western Figure. Born in Troy Grove, near Ottawa, Illinois, he took part in the Kansas struggle preceding the Civil War, was a driver of the Butterfield stage line, and gained fame as a gunfighter. He was an assistant station tender for the Pony Express at the Rock Creek, Nebraska station. He served as a Union scout in the Civil War. After the war he became deputy United States Marshal at Fort Riley (1866), Marshal of Hays, Kansas (1869), and Marshal of Abilene (1871). Cause of death: Shot in the back of the head by Jack McCall

Caruso, Enrico
b. February 27, 1873 d. August 2, 1921
Opera Singer. Enrico Caruso was born in Naples, Italy. His singing was always in demand, either at the local church or some special festivities. At the age of fifteen his mother was seriously ill, she insisted he must sing, upon return after mass found her dead. His father remarried and the family ultimately reached 22 children. With very little formal or musical education he learned and refined his theatrical skills throughout his life on his own.

Died On This Date

2009-08-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

August 1

Cannary, Martha Jane 'Calamity Jane'
b. May 1, 1852 d. August 1, 1903
American Folk Figure. Born Martha Jane Cannary, Calamity Jane is nearly as famous as Bill Hickok was and is known to be as tough as any man in the West. Raised in the mining camps of Wyoming, she is a legendary horsewoman and crack shot, and was an Army scout for Custer. Her apparent immunity to small pox made her extremely valuable as a nurse during the small pox outbreak. She got her famous nickname by rescuing Captain Egan, whose command she was under at the time.

Hatfield, Sid
b. May 15, 1893 d. August 1, 1921
Sheriff and former miner in Matewan, WV, during what is now called the "Coal Wars," in the 1920's. He and Mayor C. Testerman helped protect miners who were being evicted by the Baldwin-Felts detectives. His murder by Felts Detectives resulted in the founding of the United Mine Workers Union. He was played by David Strathairn in John Sayles' 1987 film "Matewan." Cause of death: Murdered on the McDowell County Courthouse steps.

Died On This Date

2009-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 31

Reeves, Jim
b. August 20, 1923 d. July 31, 1964
Nicknamed "Gentleman Jim," he was one of the great voices in music. His aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player ended due to an ankle injury so he turned to singing and working as a disc jockey for KWKH, Shreveport, Louisiana, the home of the Louisiana Hayride. His breakthrough single came in 1953 with a song called Mexican Joe. That same year he officially joined the cast of the Louisiana Hayride and in 1955 he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Cause of death: Plane crash.

Johnson, Andrew
b. December 29, 1808 d. July 31, 1875
17th United States President. The first President to be tried for impeachment. After President Johnson notified Congress on February 21, 1868, that he had removed Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War and replaced him with Adjutant-General Lorenzo Thomas, it took the House of Representatives only three days to impeach him for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Meanwhile, Stanton refused to abandon his office and had Thomas arrested for attempting to exercise the duties of the Secretary of War. Cause of death: Stroke

Saint-Exupéry, Antoine Marie Roger de
b. June 29, 1900 d. July 31, 1944
Author, Inventor. He wrote "Wind, Sand and Stars" (1939), and the children's classic "The Little Prince" (1943). Went missing on a flight over the Mediterranean in 1944 and his body was never recovered. The flowerbed around his memorial is laid out in the shape of his drawing of the Little Prince.

Died On This Date

2009-07-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 30

Colbert, Claudette
b. September 13, 1903 d. July 30, 1996
Actress who starred in more than 60 films. Claudette Colbert died in Speightstown, Barbados, on July 30, 1996. (This was her vacation home.) Her permanent address was Manhattan. She was born on September 13, 1903, in France. Her real name was "Lily Claudette Chauchoin. While still a child her parents moved the family to New York. She won the Best Actress award in 1934 for "It Happened One Night," a Frank Capra movie.

Phillips, Sam Cornelius
b. January 5, 1923 d. July 30, 2003
Rock pioneer. He was the founder of Sun Records and was credited with discovering Elvis Presley. He produced Presley's first record in 1954. He later sold Presley's recording contract to RCA for only $35,000. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Walsh, Bill (William Ernest)
b. November 30, 1931 d. July 30, 2007
Professional Football Coach. Nicknamed "the genius", he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1988 and NFL Coach Of the Year in 1981 & 1984. He coached the 49ers to three Super Bowl Championships. An innovative thinker, he popularized an offensive game plan that became known as the West Coast Offense and is still in use today. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 1993. Cause of death: Leukemia.

Died On This Date

2009-07-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 29

Van Gogh, Vincent
b. March 30, 1853 d. July 29, 1890
Artist. He was born in the Netherlands. In 1869 he began working for art dealers, but in 1877 he studied religion and from 1878 to 1880 he was an evangelist in Belgium. Later he decided to become an artist. He admired the work of Millet and Daumier and his early subjects were peasants. He lived in Brussels and in Netherlands and in February 1886 he moved to Paris where he lived together with his brother, Theo, and encountered Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting. Cause of death: Suicide by gunshot.

Kanka, Megan
b. December 7, 1986 d. July 29, 1994
Young murder victim. She was murdered by a neighbor and it was later discovered that he had been released from prison after having served time for child molestation. Megan's Law, the sex offender's law that now requires convicted sex offenders to register with the local authorities when they move into an area, was named for her. It was made into a Federal Law and is now enforced in all 50 states. Megan's killer was sentenced to death and is currently sitting on death row.

Niven, David (James David Graham)
b. March 1, 1910 d. July 29, 1983
Actor, Producer. Most remembered for his dapper English roles in such films as the Pink Panther series, "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1956), and numerous other films. He won an Oscar for his role in "Separate Tables" (1958). Born in London, England, the son of a British Army Captain who was killed at Gallipoli in 1915. He attended Stowe School and Sandhurst Military Academy, where he was commissioned and served two years with the Highland Light Infantry.

Elliot, Cass
b. September 19, 1941 d. July 29, 1974
Rock Singer. She was a singer for the folk-rock group "Mamas and the Papas," during the 1960s and early 1970s. Born Ellen Naomi Cohen in Baltimore, Maryland, she grew up in the Washington DC area. During her senior year in high school she performed in a summer stock of "The Boyfriend" at the Owings Mills Playhouse; a performance that compelled her to forego college in pursuit of an acting career. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Died On This Date

2009-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 28

Bach, Johann Sebastian
b. March 21, 1685 d. July 28, 1750
Composer and Organist. One of the acknowledged giants of Western music and the greatest composer of the Baroque era. Bach's work represents the culmination of all the musical ideas of his era. He brought such techniques as counterpoint and fugue to their heights of expressiveness, and wrote masterpieces in every existing genre except opera. Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany, into a family that boasted seven generations of musicians. Cause of death: Stroke.

Died On This Date

2009-07-27T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 27

Hope, Bob (Leslie Townes)
b. May 29, 1903 d. July 27, 2003
Comedian, Actor, Entertainer. Legendary comic performer whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1990s. One of the most beloved in American History, he has earned over 2,000 awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2 honorary Oscars, 2 Emmys, the National Medal of Arts (received from President Bill Clinton), 58 honorary degrees, and was knighted (honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Walsh, Adam
b. November 14, 1974 d. July 27, 1981
He was the son of "America's Most Wanted" host, John Walsh and his wife Reva. He was abducted and murdered. The search continued for days and many appeals to the public for help until Adam's decapitated head was found. His death inspired a television movie and the "America's Most Wanted" television program in 1988. On December 16th, 2008, the Hollywood Police Department finally identified Adam Walsh's killer as Ottis Toole (who died in prison in 1996).

Died On This Date

2009-07-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

July 26

Houston, Sam
b. March 2, 1793 d. July 26, 1863
Texas Republic Army General, Texas Republic President, Tennessee Governor, Texas Governor. He is best remembered as the General who defeated the Mexicans to win Texas independence. Born in Virginia in 1793, his family moved to Tennessee when he was 13 years old and lived in a frontier settlement, where Houston worked as a clerk in a trader's store. When he was 15, he ran away from home and lived with the Cherokee Indians in eastern Tennessee, where the Indians adopted him.

Peron, Eva (María Eva Ibarguren)
b. May 7, 1919 d. July 26, 1952
Argentinean Leader. Wife of Argentina President Juan Domingo Peron. Born Maria Eva, she was the fourth child born to Juana Ibarguren and Juan Duarte, all illegitimate in a ramshackle house near the village of Los Toldos some 150 miles west of Buenos Aires. At 15, she arrived in Buenos Aires, and became a star of radio soap operas and then a movie. She met Juan Peron during an earthquake-relief meeting. The widowed Peron married her in 1945, and they became a team in power ruling Argentina.
Cause of death: Uterine cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 25

Rich, Charlie
b. December 14, 1932 d. July 25, 1995
Singer. Musician. Born near Forrest City, Arkansas. He attended Consolidated High School in Forrest City, where he played saxophone in the high school band. After high school, he attended Arkansas State College on a football scholarship. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas as a music major but left after one semester to join the Air Force. He married his life-long love, fellow jazz enthusiast Margaret Ann in 1952.

Pausch, Randy
b. October 23, 1960 d. July 25, 2008
Professor, Author. Gained international fame after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and giving a "last lecture" to his class that was posted on the internet. He received a Bachelor's degree in computer sciences from Brown University and a PhD from Carnegie Mellon. He taught at the University of Virginia and at Carnegie Mellon. After his famous lecture, Randy Pausch was seen on several television shows including interviews done by Diane Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey.

Died On This Date

2009-07-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 24

Sellers, Peter (Richard Henry)
b. September 8, 1925 d. July 24, 1980
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of inept French police Inspector 'Jacques Clouseau' in the "Pink Panther" series of films (1964 to 1982). The last of that series, "Trail of the Pink Panther" (1982) was made after his death, using film clips and unseen footage from his earlier "Pink Panther" movies. Born Richard Henry Sellers in Southsea, Hampshire, England, his parents worked in an acting company run by his grandmother. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Van Buren, Martin
b. December 5, 1782 d. July 24, 1862
8th United States President. Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York a Hudson River town totally comprised of people of Dutch descent. His mother had been widowed with three children before marrying his father who was a tavern-inn proprietor while owning slaves who worked at the enterprise. The tavern hosted political meetings, elections and entertained such guests as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Young Martin received a political education while ease dropping as a boy.

Died On This Date

2009-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 23

Grant, Ulysses (Hiram Ulysses) S
b. April 27, 1822 d. July 23, 1885
18th United States President, Civil War Union Lieutenant General. He was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His birth name was Hiram Ulysses Grant. At seventeen, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, his first assignment was service in a border war with Mexico. After eleven years he resigned his commission and persued a number of failed civilian endeavors.

Rickenbacker, Edward Vernon 'Eddie'
b. October 8, 1890 d. July 23, 1973
World War I Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Distinguished Service Cross Recipient, Fighter Ace, Aviator, Race Car Driver, America's 'Ace of Aces' during World War I. The son of Swiss immigrants, he first gained fame driving race cars. He raced 4 time in the Indianapolis 500 with his best finish being 10th in 1914. He enlisted in the Army in 1917 when the United States declared war on Germany.

Clift, Montgomery
b. October 17, 1920 d. July 23, 1966
Actor. He is best remembered for his role as ‘Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt’ in the motion picture "From Here to Eternity" (1953). He represented the new wave of post-World War II actors who were handsome, intelligent, soft-spoken, introspective, and acted with intensity. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, just after his twin sister Roberta, to a banking family, his mother, Ethel, had been born out of wedlock, and she determined that the children would grow up knowing their true southern aristocratic heritage.

Griffith, D.W. (David Wark)
b. January 22, 1875 d. July 23, 1948
Motion Picture Director. Called by many as “The Father of the Motion Picture”, he was the first to recognize the new medium's potential, and invented many of the common film techniques used today, such as the Flashback, the Iris shot, the mask, and Crosscutting. He is best remembered for his epic "Birth of a Nation" (1915), considered by most his best work, despite its racist message. Born in rural Kentucky to Jacob Griffith, a Confederate Army Colonel and Civil War hero. Cause of death: Cerebral hemorrhage.

Died On This Date

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 22

Shepard, Alan Bartlett
b. November 18, 1923 d. July 22, 1998
American Astronaut. The first American into space, he is currently the oldest man to have walked on the moon. Born in Derry, New Hampshire, the son of Army Lieutenant Colonel Alan B. Shepard and Renza Emerson Shepard, Alan Jr graduated from the Admiral Farragut Academy (military high school) in 1941, and received a BS degree in Engineering from the US Naval Academy in 1944.

Getty, Estelle
b. July 25, 1923 d. July 22, 2008
Actress. Best known for her role as sassy Italian octogenarian "Sophia Petrillo", on the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls." Estelle was born in New York to Polish immigrants. In 1947, she married Arthur Gettleman. The couple had two sons together. Estelle Gettleman began her acting career under the stage name Estelle Getty in 1978 playing a teacher in the film "Team Mates." She had small walk on roles in the Films "Tootsie" in 1982 and "Mask" in 1985.

Sandburg, Carl
b. January 6, 1878 d. July 22, 1967
Author. Poet. Carl Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born the son of Swedish immigrants, August and Clara Anderson Sandburg. He was the second of seven children and was called Charlie by his family. He quit school after graduating from the eighth grade in 1891. The next few years he worked a variety of jobs. He spent some time traveling as a hobo while honing his writing and political views. He volunteered for service in the Spanish-American War in 1898. Cause of death: Heart Attack.

Died On This Date

2009-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 21

Rathbone, Basil (Philip St. John)
b. June 13, 1892 d. July 21, 1967
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of 'Sir Guy of Gisbourne' in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and for his role of 'Sherlock Holmes' in a series of movies with actor Nigel Bruce playing 'Dr. Watson' from 1939 to 1946). Born Philip St. John Basil Rathbone in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Edgar Philip Rathbone, a mining engineer, and his wife, Anna Barbara, a violinist. In 1895, his family was forced to return to Great Britain, when Boers accused his father of being a British spy. Cause of death: Heart Attack.

Young, Robert
b. February 22, 1907 d. July 21, 1998
Actor. In a career that lasted over fifty years, Robert Young performed on stage, screen and radio, appearing in some 100 movies before making a successful transition to television. He was born in Chicago coming west when his family relocated to Los Angeles at age seven. Introduced to acting while attending Lincoln High School, he then pursued an acting career after graduation by enrolling at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Died On This Date

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 20

Lee, Bruce
b. November 27, 1940 d. July 20, 1973
Acclaimed Martial Artist, Actor, and Film Director. Balancing martial arts theory and film performance, Bruce Lee remains the most recognized martial artist of the twentieth century. Though born in San Francisco, Lee would move to Hong Kong with his family while still an infant and would act in several films there as a child. After losing a street fight in 1953, he would also study Wing Chun Kung Fu, a style emphasizing economy of movement.

Doohan, James Montgomery
b. March 3, 1920 d. July 20, 2005
Actor. He is best known for his role of 'Montgomery "Scotty" Scott', the Chief Engineer of the starship "Enterprise" in the seminal and immensely popular 1960's science fiction television series "Star Trek" and it's subsequent movies. Born in British Columbia, Canada, he served in the Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II, and lost the middle finger on his right hand after Canadian forces stormed ashore at Juno Beach during the D-Day Normandy invasion.

Villa, Pancho
b. 1877 d. July 20, 1923
Mexican Revolutionary, General, Bandit, and Governor. He was a major leader in the Mexican Revolution and in 1916-1917, was the object of the Punitive Expedition in which US Troops crossed into Mexico in a futile attempt to capture him. Born Jose Doroteo Orango Arámbula, he is better known under his revolutionary name, Francisco "Pancho" Villa. Many details of his life are in dispute. Villa's early life is mostly unknown.

Died On This Date

2009-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 19

Gebel-Williams, Gunther
b. September 12, 1934 d. July 19, 2001
Circus animal trainer. He delighted ladies, gentleman, children of all ages during his three decades with the Greatest Show on Earth. He never missed a performance during his career with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The flashy performer worked with elephants, tigers, leopards, lions, panthers, mountain lions, horses, goats, camels, zebras, and a giraffe. In addition, he was featured in TV specials and advertisements.

Beatty, Clyde
b. June 10, 1903 d. July 19, 1965
Wild animal trainer, circus performer. He left all Ringing interests at the end of the 1934 season, and joined out with owner-partners Jess Adkins and Zack Terrell with the new Cole Bros. Circus that winter, and opened with them for the season of 1935. They added his name to the title for public appeal, and his name appeared in the title of every circus he was on thereafter. He was on Cole Bros. & Clyde Beatty through the 1937 season.

Died On This Date

2009-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 18

Jones, John Paul
b. July 6, 1747 d. July 18, 1792
Father of the American Navy. The Revolutionary War was fought on sea as well as on land. The fledgling Continental Navy was even more ragtag then the Colonies counterpart the army. Although he was a Scott, not an American, John Paul Jones was the first naval hero. He first stalked British ships around the Colonies and then took the war direct to Britain with command of the sloop Ranger.

Died On This Date

2009-07-17T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 17

Holiday, Billie
b. April 7, 1915 d. July 17, 1959
Jazz Singer. "Lady Day" (as she was named by Lester Young) had a small voice and did not scat but her innovative behind-the-beat phrasing made her very influential. The emotional intensity that she put into the words she sang (particularly in later years) was memorable because she often really did live the words she sang. Her original name and birthplace have been wrong for years but were finally listed correctly by Donald Clarke's definitive Billie Holiday biography "Wishing on the Moon".

Cobb, Ty
b. December 18, 1886 d. July 17, 1961
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Player. Ranks as one of Baseball's greatest players, if not the game's fiercest competitor. Everyone knows about his batting records! Ty Cobb grew up in the post Civil War South where racism was the norm. This is not to say that it was right, but it was a given and accepted practice. What shaped Tys' personality more than anything was an incident that happened when he was just 18, just a few sparse weeks before he joined the Tigers.

Spillane, Mickey
b. March 9, 1918 d. July 17, 2006
Author. Real name Frank Morrison Spillane. He is best remembered for creating the hard boiled detective Mike Hammer, who appeared in a series of violent mystery novels beginning with "I, the Jury" (1947). There have been several films adapted from his books and a "Mike Hammer" television series in the 1980s, starring Stacy Keach. Spillane himself played the character in the film "The Girl Hunters" (1963). Prior to writing novels, Spillane wrote for magazines and comic books.

Died On This Date

2009-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 16

Kennedy Jr., John Fitzgerald
b. November 25, 1960 d. July 16, 1999
Son of US president John F. Kennedy. Born at Washington, D.C. John F. Kennedy Jr. was the second child of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier, and brother to Caroline Schlossberg. Known as John-John to the American public, the not-quite-three-year-old boy, Kennedy is famously remembered for saluting the casket of his assassinated father. Kennedy spent most of his growing-up years and adult life in Manhattan, New York City. Cause of death: Plane crash.

Lincoln, Mary Todd
b. December 13, 1818 d. July 16, 1882
Presidential First Lady. She was born to pioneer settlers in Kentucky. When Mary Lincoln was seven, her mother died and her father remarried. She belonged to the aristocracy of Lexington with an excellent social life and a sound private education. Nearly 21, she went to Springfield, Illinois to live with her sister. Here she met Abraham Lincoln. Three years later, after a stormy courtship and a broken engagement, they were married. They were opposites in background and temperament.

Chapin, Harry
b. December 7, 1942 d. July 16, 1981
Singer, Songwriter, Activist. He originally wanted to become a filmaker, and his socially-conscious folk-rock ballads showed a decided flair for storytelling. His signature song, the six-minute "Taxi" (1972), reveals the hard-bitten observations of a cab driver, while "W. O. L. D." (1973) describes the life of a disc jockey. "Cat's in the Cradle" (1974), Chapin's only Number One hit, is about a businessman who realizes too late how he sacrificed his relationship with his son.

Died On This Date

2009-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 15

Pershing, John Joseph 'Black Jack'
b. September 13, 1860 d. July 15, 1948General of the Armies of the United States. Born in Laclede, Missouri, he was the son of a railroad switchman. At 17, he taught in a rural school for black children to earn enough money to pay for his college education at Kirksville Normal School (now Truman State University.) In 1881, answering an advertisement for the United States Military Academy's entrance exam, he sat for the exam and won entry to West Point in 1882.

Bonney, William 'Billy The Kid'
b. November 23, 1859 d. July 15, 1881
Legendary Outlaw. He was born in New York City as Henry McCarty. His mother's name was Catherine McCarty. Not very much information is known about his father except that he died when the Kid was young. Eventually, Catherine moved with the Kid and his brother Joseph to Wichita Kansas. After his first brush with the law, Catherine was diagnosed with tuberculosis and decided to move to New Mexico, where she remarried and died in 1874.

Stratton, Charles Sherwood 'General Tom Thumb'
b. January 4, 1838 d. July 15, 1883Circus Performer. Without question the most famous midget in history. Phineas T. Barnum discovered him, named him "General Tom Thumb" and made him a success, in 1842. When Charles Stratton was born, he was a large baby, weighing a little over nine pounds. He developed normally for a while, reaching 15 pounds and two feet, one inch in length by five months of age, then his growth stopped. By age five he had not grown an inch more, but otherwise he was a completely normal child.

Died On This Date

2009-07-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 14

Little Turtle, Chief 'Michikinikwa'
b. 1752 d. July 14, 1812 Miami war chief. Born to a Miami chieftain and a Mahican mother in what is present day Indiana, he was given the name Me-she-kin-o-quah. During the American Revolution, frontier fighting brought Little Turtle in conflict with the American ally Augustin Mottin de La Balme who had destroyed Miami villages at Kekionga (present day Ft. Wayne) in November of 1780. At that time, Little Turtle rose to war chief of the Miamis.

Died On This Date

2009-07-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 13

Buttons (Chwatt), Red (Aaron)
b. February 5, 1919 d. July 13, 2006
Entertainer. His show business career spanned nearly 70 years. Best known as a feisty stand-up comedian with a rapid-fire delivery, he was also a fine character actor in Hollywood films. Buttons won an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for "Sayonara" (1957). Born Aaron Chwatt in New York City, the son of Jewish immigrants, he got hooked on performing after winning an Amateur Night contest at age 12. Originally called "Irish" because of his red hair and puckish features.

Died On This Date

2009-07-12T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 12

Hamilton, Alexander
b. January 11, 1755 d. July 12, 1804
Founding Father, Statesman. The thirteen states after the Revolutionary War were weak and still separate. Alexander Hamilton was the strong voice calling for a strong united government with a new Constitution and then most instrumental in the formation and convening of the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia which established the United States of America. He was born southeast of Florida on Nevis, a small island making up the group in the Caribbean known as the West Indies.

Madison, Dolley
b. May 20, 1768 d. July 12, 1849
Presidential First Lady. She was the wife of 4th United States President James Madison. Born in New Garden, North Carolina, she married John Todd, Jr., a lawyer, who in 1790 who succumbed to yellow fever, leaving her with a small son, Payne. Her second marriage was to James Madison, who was then serving as a Congressman from Virginia, and was seventeen years her senior.

Died On This Date

2009-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 11

Gershwin, George
b. September 26, 1898 d. July 11, 1937
Composer. He is best remembered for his compositions with his equally talented lyricist older brother, Ira Gershwin. They are responsible for such hit songs as "Someone to Watch over Me" (1926), "Love Walked In" (1937), "Love is Here to Stay" (1937), "Rhapsody in Blue" (1924), and for such musicals as "Of Thee I sing" (1931 - the first musical to ever win a Pulitzer Prize), and "Porgy and Bess" (1935). Born Jacob Gershowitz in Brooklyn, New York, of Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. Cause of death: Brain Tumor.
Johnson, Claudia Alta Taylor 'Lady Bird'
b. December 22, 1912 d. July 11, 2007
Presidential First Lady. Born Claudia Alta Taylor to T.J. and Minnie Taylor. A maid noticed that she was as cute as a "Lady Bird," and the nickname stuck. In 1918 when she was six years old, her mother died. Their aunt Effie Pattillo raised Lady Bird and her two older brothers, for the most part. In 1933, she graduated from The University of Texas, earning a BA in Liberal Arts, followed by a Bachelors in Journalism the next year. Cause of death: Natural causes.

Died On This Date

2009-07-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

July 10

Blanc (Blank), Mel (Melvin Jerome)
b. May 30, 1908 d. July 10, 1989
Voice Actor. His career spanned radio, movies and television starting in the early 1930's and even continued after his death into 2000. A television commercial for American Express charge card was revived after his death. His birth and death years appeared on the bottom of the screen at the end of the commercial, both to promote their card, and pay tribute to Mel Blanc. The rarely seen voice innovator even did sound effects. He literally performed in over a thousand shows.

Died On This Date

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 9

Taylor, Zachary
b. November 24, 1784 d. July 9, 1850
12th US President. Taylor fought in the War of 1812 and vanquished the Seminoles in Florida. He antagonized the South by advocating the integration of California (a non-slave state). He was the second President to die in office. He died 5 days after he became ill after attending a July 4th celebration at the Washington Monument.

Steiger, Rod
b. April 14, 1925 d. July 9, 2002
American film and television actor. Between 1951 and 2002 Steiger appeared in many films including "Dr. Zhivago," "A Month of Sundays," " The January Man," "American Gothic," "The Player," "The Amityville Horror," "Teresa," "The Loved One," "Convicts 4," "Carpool," "Mars Attacks," "End of Days," "Incognito," "The Hurricane," "Lightmaker,' "The Flying Dutchman," and of course "In The Heat of The Night" for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1967.

Sanford, Isabel
b. August 29, 1917 d. July 9, 2004Actress. She was best known for her role as 'Louise "Weezie" Jefferson' on the popular 1970s and 1980s television sitcom "The Jeffersons." An acclaimed actress on Broadway for over 30 years, she co-starred with Sherman Hemsley on the spin-off of the popular series "All in the Family," in which she also appeared. In 1981, she became the first African-American woman to receive an Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "The Jeffersons."
Cause of death: Natural causes

Died On This Date

2009-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 8

Allyson, June
b. October 7, 1917 d. July 8, 2006
Actress. Born Ella Geisman in the Bronx, New York to Clara and Robert Geisman. She was injured in an accident at age eight and spent four years confined within a steel brace. Swimming therapy slowly gave her mobility again, and she began to study dance as well. She entered dance contests after high school and earned roles in numerous musical films called "Broadway Brevities", the Vitaphone short subjects.

Shelley, Percy Bysshe
b. August 4, 1792 d. July 8, 1822
Poet. One of the great English poets of the romantic period. Author of "Queen Mab," "Adonais," "Ozymandias" and others. Husband of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. His heart was not originally buried with his body. It was retrieved from his funeral pyre by his friend Trelawny and kept by Shelley's wife Mary, pressed flat, in a copy of the poet's "Adonais" and was interred for the first time in her tomb in St. Peters', Bournemouth.

Died On This Date

2009-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 7

Leigh (Hartley), Vivien Mary
b. November 5, 1913 d. July 7, 1967
Actress. After finishing her primary education she decided to pursue acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art when she was 18. For the next few years her career consisted of stage work and small film roles. In 1937 her first marriage with dissolved and she took up residence with actor Laurence Olivier. It was in that same year she starred in "Dark Journey" with Conrad Veidt and "Fire Over England" with future husband Olivier. Cause of death: Tuberculosis.

Doyle, Sir. Arthur Conan
b. May 22, 1859 d. July 7, 1930
Author. He is best remembered as the creator of the fictional detective "Sherlock Holmes", which has become one of the most famous fictional characters of all time. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he began practicing medicine in 1882, but was not a great success. While waiting for patients, he started writing short stories as a hobby, but his early writings earned him only pocket money. His first great success came with his first Sherlock Holmes novel, "A Study in Scarlet" (1887).

Lake (Ockelman), Veronica (Constance Frances Marie)
b. November 14, 1922 d. July 7, 1973
Actress. She was born Constance Frances Ockleman in Brooklyn, New York to a seaman father. He died in an explosion on an oil ship when Constance was five. Her mother remarried and the family was constantly on the move living in Canada, New York and Florida. She graduated from high school in Miami. The family moved to California and she was enrolled in the Bliss Hayden School of Acting in Hollywood. Bit parts came almost immediately with RKO Studios. Cause of death: Hepatitis.

Died On This Date

2009-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 6

Armstrong, Louis 'Satchmo'
b. July 4, 1900 d. July 6, 1971
Jazz Musician. His achievements in the jazz circle of America are extremely remarkable in light of his humble beginnings. Louis Armstrong was born a illegitimate black baby in the slums of segregated New Orleans, became a juvenile delinquent then relegated to the Colored Waifs' Home for Boys. He was introduced to the cornet which began a lifelong commitment to Jazz music.

Rogers (Slye), Roy (Leonard Franklin)
b. November 5, 1911 d. July 6, 1998
Actor, Singer. He was born Leonard Franklin Slye in Cincinnati, Ohio to a musical family. His father played guitar and his Kentucky-born mother was a singer. Leonard grew up in Duck Run, Ohio a little town near Portsmouth. He quit high school after two years forced to work in a shoe factory to help support his family. At nineteen, he moved to California and formed a band which became known as the Sons of The Pioneers.

Ebsen, Buddy (Christian Rudolph)
b. April 2, 1908 d. July 6, 2003
Actor. Motion picture and television figure whose career spanned from the 1930s until the 1990s. Best known for being the patriarch 'Jed Clampett' on the 1960s television sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," he also gained notoriety as television detective 'Barnaby Jones' in the 1970s series of the same name, and as Fess Parker's sidekick in "Davy Crockett" during the 1950s. He is famously connected to the 1939 film classic "Wizard of Oz," when, cast as the role of the Tin Woodsman. Cause of death: Pneumonia

Died On This Date

2009-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 5

Williams, Ted
b. August 30, 1918 d. July 5, 2002
Baseball Hall OF Famer. Considered by many to be the greatest hitter of all time, Ted Williams was born on Aug. 30, 1918, in San Diego, California. Ted was shy and sensitive boy growing up. "I was awfully self-conscious as a kid -- about everything,"' he said. "The way I looked and things I didn't have that some of the other kids did." His parents separated when Ted was at a young age, and his mother worked as a Salvation Army worker.

James, Harry Haag
b. March 15, 1916 d. July 5, 1983
Musician, Band Leader. The wartime era was crowded with big bands but Harry James with his colorful trumpet playing became one of the most popular swing bands in the nation. The group reflected the circus upbringing of its leader. The men were attired in red mess jackets, white bow ties and winged collars that went with full dress outfits. Color was the order of the day. He was born Harry Haag James in Albany, Georgia, his parents were both circus performers.

Died On This Date

2009-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 4

Jefferson, Thomas
b. April 13, 1743 d. July 4, 1826
American Founding Father. Third President of the United States. He was a philosopher, statesman, scholar, attorney, planter, architect, violinist, writer, and natural scientist who wished to be remembered as the author of the Declaration of Independence and of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and as the founder of the University of Virginia. Born of a moderately well-off planter family, Jefferson was early imbued by his father Peter with a love both of nature, and of books.

Adams, John
b. October 30, 1735 d. July 4, 1826
2nd United States President, first United States Vice President, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Revolutionary War Patriot. Born the first of two sons to John and Susanna Boylston Adams, he was born in Braintree, Massachusetts (now part of Quincy, MA), where his father was a Puritan farmer, a lieutenant in the militia, a town selectman (town councilman), and a descendant of the first settlers who had arrived in New England.

Curie (Sklodowska), Marie
b. November 7, 1867 d. July 4, 1934
Scientist. She had degrees in mathematics and physics and was the first woman in Europe to receive her doctorate of science. In 1903, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for Physics for the co-discovery (jointly awarded to Curie, her husband Pierre, and Henri Becquerel) of radioactivity. In 1906, she became the first female lecturer, professor and head of Laboratory at the Sorbonne University in Paris. In 1911, she won an unprecedented second Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

White, Barry
b. September 12, 1944 d. July 4, 2003
Soul/Disco Singer. Barry White was born on September, 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, and he recorded his first album at the age of 16. White is best known for his soulful, smooth, mellow singing voice, which he used to sing love songs from the 1970s up through the 2000s. White had 106 gold albums, 41 platinum singles, 20 gold platinum singles, and ten platinum singles, which sold over 100 million. Cause of death: Kidney failure.

Monroe, James
b. April 28, 1758 d. July 4, 1831
5th United States President. James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County Virginia to parents not only wealthy but rich in legacy with kinship to the Royal Family. Tutored until eleven then educated at the finest school in Virginia, Campbelton Academy with the future Chief Justice John Marshall a classmate. He attended the College of William and Mary then studied law under Thomas Jefferson. He fought in the American Revolution. Elected to the Virginia legislature, then a member of Congress.

Died On This Date

2009-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 3

Morrison, Jim
b. December 8, 1943 d. July 3, 1971
Singer, Songwriter. Born in Melbourne, Florida, the son of a naval officer, he adopted a bohemian lifestyle in California while attending UCLA while literally homeless, sleeping in any convenient place handy, friends couches, rooftops, in cars and under the pier at Venice Beach. A voracious reader of books, he started a rock band with fellow student Ray Manzarek after he graduated. They quickly found two more members, Robby Krieger and John Densmore.

Harmon, Larry 'Bozo The Clown'
b. January 2, 1925 d. July 3, 2008
Entertainer. Larry Harmon portrayed 'Bozo the Clown' for more than fifty years. He bought the rights to Bozo, and the business that combined animation, character licensing, and personal appearances was worth millions. His television show was seen all over the country as well as some overseas markets. He trained more than 200 'Bozos' to represent him in local markets. As Bozo's influence spread, his name became a synonym for clownish behavior.

Died On This Date

2009-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

July 2

Stewart, James 'Jimmy'
b. May 20, 1908 d. July 2, 1997
Actor, American Icon. James Stewart was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he had an ideal childhood with encouraging and supporting parents. When he won the Best Actor Oscar in 1940 for his role in "The Philadelphia Story," he sent it to his father saying, "It belongs to us both." His dad, who owned a hardware store, kept it on a shelf for 25 years where it could be viewed by the customers. Cause of death: Pulmonic blood clot.

Grable, Betty (Ruth Elizabeth)
b. December 18, 1916 d. July 2, 1973
Actress. She was born Ruth Elizabeth Grable in St. Louis, Missouri the youngest of three children to a truck driver father and a mother who was the ultimate in stage door moms. She began training Ruth literally from the time the child could walk and talk, teaching her to dance, play the saxophone and sing. A family vacation to California when Ruth was twelve, resulted in a longer stay with mom enrolling her in various Hollywood schools for formal training. Cause of death: Cancer.

Hemingway, Ernest Miller
b. July 21, 1899 d. July 2, 1961
Author. He was born at Oak Park, Illinois, grew up in the Chicago suburbs while spending summers at the families water front home on Bear Lake. Ernest Hemingway was one of six children the son of a strict doctor who gave him a passion for fishing and hunting and a music teacher mother who cultivated a cultural knowledge of music and literature. He spoke often of his ideal, happy childhood. Cause of death: Suicide by gunshot.

Gwynne, Fred (Frederick Hubbard)
b. July 10, 1926 d. July 2, 1993
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of Herman on the television comedy series, "The Munsters" (1964-1966) and for his role of Officer Francis Muldoon in the television comedy series, "Car 54, Where are You?" (1961-1963). He was also a noted author and illustrator of ten children's books, including "The King Who Rained" (1970), "A Chocolate Moose for Dinner" (1976), and "A Little Pigeon Toad" (1988). Born Frederick Hubbard Gwynne in New York City to Frederick Walker Gwynne, a stockbroker. Cause of death: Pancreatic cancer

Sills, Beverly
b. May 25, 1929 d. July 2, 2007
Opera Singer. Considered to be one of the best known opera singers of the 1960s and 1970s, she was renowned for her coloratura roles in operas around the world. Born Belle Miriam Silverman in Brooklyn, she became general manager of the New York City Opera in 1980 after retiring from her singing career. Subsequently, in 1994, became Chairman of Lincoln Center and in 2002, of the Metropolitan Opera. Cause of death: Lung cancer.

Puzo, Mario
b. October 15, 1920 d. July 2, 1999
Novelist and screenwriter. After serving in World War II, he began his writing career for men's magazines. He published his first novel, "The Dark Arena", in 1955. His third novel was "The Godfather" which sold more than 21 million copies worldwide. Besides his movie career, he also published several other novels including the best-seller "The Sicillian" in 1984. Just before his death he finished another novel, "Omerta". Cause of death: Heart attack.

Died On This Date

2009-07-01T05:06:00.001-07:00

July 1

Landon (Orowitz), Michael (Eugene Maurice)
b. October 31, 1936 d. July 1, 1991
Actor, Writer, Producer, Director. Born in Forest Hills, New York, to Eli Maurice Orowitz and Peggy O'Neal Orowitz. The family moved to Collingswood, New Jersey, when he was four. Eli and Peggy did not have the best of marriages and often times they had violent arguments. He experienced a stressful and unhappy childhood. His suffering from nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting) further complicated his life. His mother believed that she could cure this problem with shame. Cause of death: Cancer of the pancreas.

Matthau, Walter
b. October 1, 1920 d. July 1, 2000
Actor. Born Walter John Matthow in New York City to Russian immigrants and grew up on the Lower East Side. Matthau contributed to the family by playing bit parts at a Yiddish theater by age 11 where he was paid fifty cents for each onstage appearances. During WWII he served with the U.S. Army Air Corps where he made Staff Sergeant. In 1948 he made his Broadway debut in "Anne of the Thousand Days." He would make his film debut as the heavy in 1955's "The Kentuckian."

Mitchum, Robert

b. August 6, 1917 d. July 1, 1997
Motion Picture and Television Actor. Born Robert Charles Durman Mitchum, he appeared in more than 125 films during his 55 year run in show business and even had a brief career as a singer. Famous for his tough-guy roles in Film Noirs and Westerns, he could be menacing or charming in his roles and was sometimes both at once. Grew up as a trouble-making, wayward boy, and in the late 1940s, served a brief prison sentence for marijuana possession. In 1943, he appeared in a staggering dozen films. Cause of death: Lung cancer.

Vandross, Luther
b. April 20, 1951 d. July 1, 2005
Singer. He became famous for his soulful, romantic ballads and his many collaborations with such stars as Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. Beginning his career singing background vocals for Richard Marx and Chaka Khan, he was discovered by David Bowie, who overheard him singing his song "Young Americans," and had him make a recording of the song. His debut solo album "Never Too Much," released in 1981, became a huge success.

Nostradamus (de Nostre Dame) (Michel)
b. December 14, 1503 d. July 1, 1566
Born Michel de Nostradame in St. Remy de Provence, France; the oldest of five brothers. The family had been Jews forced to convert to Catholicism by the Inquisition. He attended the University at Avignon and was graduated from the University of Montpellier after which he practiced as a physician. He was apparently remarkably successful in treating plague victims in the Montpellier area. About 1534 he married and had a son and a daughter.

Brando, Marlon
b. April 3, 1924 d. July 1, 2004
Actor. Motion picture and stage actor who achieved legendary status in his own lifetime. The youngest of three children of alcoholic parents, he was left alone much of the time as a child. He was kicked out of military high school for riding a motorcycle through the halls, worked as a department store elevator operator and quit after four days due to his embarrassment in having to call out the lingerie floor. Prevented from enlisting in World War II due to his 4-F status, he moved to New York. Cause of death: Pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that involves scarring of the lungs.

Wolfman Jack (Robert Weston Smith)
b. January 21, 1938 d. July 1, 1995
Disc Jockey, Actor, Entertainer. Born Robert Weston Smith in Brooklyn, New York. He was first on the airwaves as "Daddy Jules" on Newport News, Virginia station WYOU-AM. He made his mark as a disc jockey from 1958 to 1966, on radio station XERF (1570 AM) in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, just across the river from Del Rio, Texas. The Wolfman's name came from a trend of the 1950's when disc jockeys took nicknames such as Moondog or Hound dog. Cause of death: Heart failure.

Died On This Date

2009-06-30T07:58:00.002-07:00

June 30

Atkins, Chet (Chester Burton)
b. June 20, 1924 d. June 30, 2001
Country Musician. Known as "Mr. Guitar" and considered the most-recorded solo instrumentalist in music history, he was born in the small town of Luttrell, Tennessee in 1924. His guitar style influenced such pop greats as Mark Knopler, George Harrison, Duane Eddy, George Benson and many other recording artist. As head of RCA Records in Nashville, he propelled an entire generation of country music stars to fame, such as Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, and Charley Prides. Cause of death: Cancer.

McFarland, George Robert Phillips 'Spanky'
b. October 2, 1928 d. June 30, 1993
Actor. Fondly remembered for playing 'Spanky' in the Our Gang/Little Rascals serial comedies. He was featured in many of the one-reelers from the 1930s and 40s. He appeared on the television show "Cheers" shortly before his death. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Hackett, Buddy
b. August 31, 1924 d. June 30, 2003
Comedian. Legendary rubber-faced comic, actor, and entertainer. He is fondly remembered for his half-century comedy career. Described as a comic's comic, he appeared in motion pictures such as "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), and "The Love Bug" (1968)." Television appearances include "What's My Line?," "The Hollywood Squares," and "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In," among many others. Cause of death: Natural causes.

Died On This Date

2009-06-08T00:00:00.001-07:00

June 8
Jackson, Andrew
b. March 15, 1767 d. June 8, 1845
7th United States President. When he threw his hat in the ring and decided to run for the presidency, Andrew Jackson the "Hero of New Orleans" was the most popular man in the country and even received a "favorite son" endorsement from Tennessee delegates. Detractors had a field day after his marriage to Rachel Donelson seizing on a marriage technicality to tarnish both their images.

Paige, Satchel (Leroy Robert)
b. July 7, 1906 d. June 8, 1982
Hall of Fame Negro and Major League Baseball Player. Gaining his nickname as a railroad porter was a boy, he became a legendary right-handed pitcher while playing for the Chattanooga Black Lookouts (1926 to 1927), Birmingham Black Barons (1927 to 1930), Baltimore Black Socks (1930) Cleveland Cubs (1931), Pittsburgh Crawfords (1931 to 1937) Kansas City Monarchs (1935 to 1936, 1939 to 1948, 1950, 1955), Santo Domingo (1937), Santo Domingo All Stars (1937), Newark Eagles (1938), and Mexican League.

Cochise, Chief
b. 1823 d. June 8, 1874
Actual date of birth unknown. "Cochise," derived from the Apache word "cheis," or "oak," led his Chokonen Apaches (rising sun people), often called Chiricahuas, through their first conflicts and dealings with the United States. He was among the most powerful and respected of Apache leaders and his influence extended far beyond his own band. He was one of the few Apache leaders whose influence transcended his own band and could bring together many of the diverse family groups that made up the group.

Paine, Thomas
b. January 29, 1737 d. June 8, 1809
Author of "Common Sense." American Revolutionary War patriot, agitator and pamphleteer. He was born in Thetford, England the son of a corset maker. Adulthood found him with many trades, master of none. He met Benjamin Franklin, who convinced him to emigrate to America in 1774, where he became editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine and anonymously published his pamphlet Common Sense; in language of the common man urging immediate separation from England.

Died On This Date

2009-06-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

June 7
Harlow, Jean
b. March 3, 1911 d. June 7, 1937
Actress. While only in the spotlight for ten short years, life was cut short by her untimely death and one can only speculate as to what might have transpired had she had a normal lifespan. Jean Harlow was married three times with a fourth on the horizon in William Powell. She appeared in forty one movies, was voted to the American Film Institute's list of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age. Cause of death: Complications of uremic poisoning.

McKay (McManus), Jim (James Kenneth)
b. September 24, 1921 d. June 7, 2008
Sports Journalist and Announcer. Fondly remembered for hosting ABC's "Wide World of Sports" and 12 Olympic Games. He won 13 Emmy's during his career. He was also the first American network sports commentator to visit mainland China.

Died On This Date

2009-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

June 6
Henry, Patrick
b. May 29, 1736 d. June 6, 1799
American Patriot. He is best remembered for his stirring phrase "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." Born in Hanover County, Virginia, he attended public school for only a short time, and was taught by his father, who had a good education. He began a career as a shopkeeper, but was a poor businessman and soon deeply in debt. He then studied law and received his attorney's license in 1760, which helped his oratory skills when he had to argue cases in court.

Kennedy, Robert Francis
b. November 20, 1925 d. June 6, 1968
US Senator, US Attorney General. He was the third son of Joseph Kennedy, Sr. and the brother of both US President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy. Known as 'Bobby,' he started his career as an attorney in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice in 1951. Cause of death: Assassinated.

Bancroft (Italiano), Anne (Anna Maria)
b. September 17, 1931 d. June 6, 2005
Actress, Stage, Screen, Television. Her career spanned half a century. Anne Bancroft was a prolific award winner for her excellent acting. Nominated for an Academy Award four times, she won once then was a two time winner of both Tony and Emmy Awards. However, her role as 'Mrs. Robinson' in the "Graduate" was her defining performance resulting in great fame and recognition. She toiled to the very end furnishing the voice for "Delgo" currently in post production. Cause of death: Cancer.

Chevrolet, Louis
b. December 25, 1878 d. June 6, 1941
This monument has been established in honor of race car driver and automobile designer Louis Chevrolet. The monument features a large bust of Chevrolet and smaller plaques that feature his brother Gaston, who drove a car Louis designed to victory in the 1920 Indianapolis 500, Henry Ford, W.C. Durant, who made the Chevrolet an integral member of General Motors Corporation and Tommy Milton, who drove a car Louis designed to victory in the 1921 Indianapolis 500. Cause of death: Medical complications following a leg amputation.

Died On This Date

2009-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

June 5
Reagan, Ronald Wilson
b. February 6, 1911 d. June 5, 2004
40th United States President, Actor. Considered by many historians and political scientists as the one individual who most helped end the Cold War between the Western world and the Soviet Union and its allies (although this event occurred ten months after he left office). Born in the small town of Tampico, Illinois, he graduated from Eureka College, Illinois, in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology. He landed a job as sportscaster for Radio station WOC in Davenport, Iowa. Cause of death: Pneumonia, complications of Alzheimer's Disease

Twitty, Conway
b. September 1, 1933 d. June 5, 1993
Musician. Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi. His father taught him guitar chords when he was just 4 years old. When he was 10 years old the family moved to Helena, Arkansas and he put together his first band, the Phillips County Ramblers that same year. By the time he was 12 he had his own Saturday morning radio show. He was also an excellent baseball player and turned down an opportunity to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies joining the Army instead. Cause of death: Surgery complications.

Torme, Mel
b. September 13, 1925 d. June 5, 1999
Jazz singer, Actor, Composer, Author. Nicknamed "The Velvet Fog," he was a performer almost from the beginning and always said his introduction and love of Jazz was acquired from his birthplace and exposure to music in the black section of Chicago. He was born Melvin Howard Torma to a musical family, his father, a Russian immigrant owned a dry goods store He began singing publicly at the age of four at a restaurant, then make his professional debut with the Coon-Sanders Orchestra.

Died On This Date

2009-06-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

June 4
Casanova, Giacomo
b. April 2, 1725 d. June 4, 1798
Famous Lover. He was born to Venetian actors and is known more for his amorous adventures than for his experiences as a secret agent, author, businessman and musician. During his life, he served as a spy for King Louis XV, began a business selling printed silk and played the violin for the theater in Venice. However, he is best known as the “world’s most famous lover.” He went to school to be a priest but was expelled because of his profligate activities. He eventually returned to Venice.

Died On This Date

2009-06-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

June 3
Quinn, Anthony (Antonio Rudolfo)
b. April 21, 1915 d. June 3, 2001
Actor, writer, artist, Sculptor. This naturalized American's career would span over sixty years with appearances in more than 150 films the winner of two Oscars for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Viva Zapata (1952) and Lust for Life (1957) along with two nominations as Best Actor in a leading role: Wild is the Wind (1957) and Alex Zorbas (1964). Quinn appeared in many movies which today are classics such as "Zorba the Greek" and "Lawrence of Arabia." Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Died On This Date

2009-06-02T04:54:00.000-07:00

June 2
Gehrig, Lou (Henry Louis)
b. June 19, 1903 d. June 2, 1941
Legendary Baseball Player. Despite his numerous baseball athletic records, he is best remembered for his farewell speech of July 4, 1939 in Yankee Stadium, in which he said goodbye to his fans. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, shortly after his retirement, and he was the first baseball player to have his number (4) retired. Born Heinrich Ludwig (Henry Louis) Gehrig in New York City to poor German immigrants, he was the only one of four children to survive to adulthood. Cause of death: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Diddley (Bates), Bo (Elias)
b. December 30, 1928 d. June 2, 2008
Musician. Legendary guitarist and vocalist, he is best known for such hits as "I'm a Man", "Who Do You Love?" and "Pretty Thing". He was born Elias Bates McDaniel in McComb, Mississippi and raised in Chicago. In 1955, he signed with Checkers Records and had hits with "Mona", "Say Man", "Before You Accuse Me" and "Road Runner". Many artists including The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and The Doors covered his songs. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Harrison (Carey), Rex (Reginald)
b. March 5, 1908 d. June 2, 1990
Actor. Born in Reginald Carey Harrison in Huyton, Lancashire (now Merseyside), England, he adopted the nickname “Rex” at an early age. He spent an apprenticeship with the Liverpool Repertory Theatre (legend has it that the first time he had a line, he forgot it), and made both his London stage and film debuts in 1930. He served as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF during World War II.

Coca, Imogene
b. November 18, 1908 d. June 2, 2001
She was the elfin actress and satiric comedienne who co-starred with Sid Caesar on television's 1950s classic "Your Show of Shows." Her saucer eyes, fluttering lashes, big smile and boundless energy lit up the TV screen and brought her an Emmy as best actress in 1951. A talented singer and dancer, her spoofs of opera divas and prima ballerinas tiptoed a fine line between dignity and absurdity until she pushed them over the edge. Cause of death: Natural causes.

Died On This Date

2009-05-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

May 26
Albert, Eddie
b. April 22, 1906 d. May 26, 2005
Actor. Born Edward Albert Heimberger, he is best remembered for his role of lawyer-turned-farmer ‘Oliver Wendell Douglas' on the classic television comedy series "Green Acres". His career began on radio, and appeared on the earliest test for television in 1936. He made his motion picture debut in the military academy comedy "Brother Rat" in 1938, and went on to co-star in "Brother Rat and a Baby" and "Four Wives" in 1939. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Pollack, Sydney
b. July 1, 1934 d. May 26, 2008
Actor, producer and Academy Award winning motion picture director. He won two Oscars for his work on the 1986 film "Out of Africa." Born in Lafayette, Indiana to a family of Russian Jewish immigrants, his father, David Pollack was a professional boxer who had become a pharmacist, while his mother, Rebecca Miller, was a homemaker. While very young, his parents divorced, and his mother, an alcoholic, died when he was 16. Cause of death: Cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 25
Reilly, Charles Nelson
b. January 13, 1931 d. May 25, 2007
Actor, Director, Comedian, Entertainer. Fondly remembered for his numerous appearances on the 1970s game show "Match Game." Cause of death: Complications of pneumonia.

Died On This Date

2009-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 24
Ellington, Duke (Edward Kennedy)
b. April 29, 1899 d. May 24, 1974
Jazz Legend. Jazz composer, bandleader and pianist, often referred to as America's most prolific composer of the twentieth century. His written contributions are almost innumerable: thousands of songs and dozens of works in symphonic form, as well as complete scores for ballet, theater and film. His artistic development and sustained achievement are among the most spectacular in the history of music. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in April of 1899 into a black middle-class family. Cause of death: Lung cancer and pneumonia.

Martin, Dick
b. January 30, 1922 d. May 24, 2008
Entertainer, Director. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, he is best known as half of the team "Rowan & Martin," the long-time comedy act formed with his partner, Dan Rowan, in the 1950s. He was originally a writer for a radio sit-com "Duffy's Tavern" before teaming with Rowan. The two played nightclubs and Las Vegas which resulted in his 1962 role on "The Lucy Show". Cause of death: Respiratory complications.

Died On This Date

2009-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 23
Kidd, Capt. William
b. 1645 d. May 23, 1701
Legendary pirate. He was born in Greenock, Scotland. He emigrated to New York. During trip to England, Kidd was offered a privateer's commission for the purpose of attacking pirates by noble lords. Kidd had to sell his ship the Antigua to raise funds. The new ship, the Adventure Galley, was equipped with 34 cannons and 150 men. However Kidd’s enterprise was not a success.
Rockefeller Sr., John D.
b. July 8, 1839 d. May 23, 1937
American financier, oil magnate and philanthropist. Best known as the patriarch of the socially prominent Rockefeller family of New York, founder of the Standard Oil Company and founder of the Rockefeller Foundation. He was born John Davison Rockefeller on July 8, 1839 in Richford, New York, the son of William Avery Rockefeller, a traveling quack doctor, and Eliza Davison Rockefeller, who was very religious and disciplined. She taught John D. to work, to save, and to give to charities.

Parker, Bonnie
b. October 1, 1910 d. May 23, 1934
Legendary Outlaw. She was the middle child and oldest daughter of Henry and Emma Parker. After the death of her father in 1914, her mother moved the family to the West Dallas area called “Cement City.” In her youth, she was known for being kind, an Honor Student and a writer of poetry (and other creative writing endeavors). In 1926, She married high-school sweetheart Roy Thornton. Despite the rocky and sometimes abusive marriage and Roy’s imprisonment in 1929, she remained married to him. Cause of death: Shot to death with Clyde Barrow by officers in an ambush near Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

Barrow, Clyde
b. March 24, 1909 d. May 23, 1934
Outlaw. His first crime was auto theft in 1926. He met partner Bonnie Parker when he was on parole in 1932. During two years of kidnapping and robbery they killed 12 people. He and Bonnie were shot and killed by Texas Rangers near Gibsland, Louisiana.

Died On This Date

2009-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 22
Washington, Martha
b. June 21, 1731 d. May 22, 1802
First of America's First Ladies. Martha Washington was born on a plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia. Typical for a girl in that day and age, her education was negligible except in domestic and social skills. She was a wealthy widow and mother of two when she married Colonel George Washington who had fought in the Indian wars and was active in Virginia politics. Martha followed George from camp to camp during the Revolutionary war weathering harsh winters and danger.

Hugo, Victor
b. February 26, 1802 d. May 22, 1885
One of the most powerful and popular authors of 19th-century France, and a champion of republicanism, exiled during the reign of Napoleon III and returned in 1870. Major works include "Notre-Dame" and "Les Miserables", and a large body of poetry. His death, and the spontaneous national mourning which followed, inspired the French government to "reinvent" the Pantheon as a homage to the great men (and, eventually, women) of France. Entered Pantheon 1885.

Died On This Date

2009-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 21
Cartland, Barbara
b. July 9, 1901 d. May 21, 2000
Author. Aviation pioneer. British political and society figure. Dame Barbara Cartland was born into a middle class family, and showed writing talent from an early age; her first job as a gossip columnist for The Daily Express was followed by her first novel, "Jigsaw", in 1923. By the time her career ended, she had published 657 books, making her, according to the 1983 edition of "The Guinness Book of World Records", the largest selling author on earth.

Gielgud, John
b. April 14, 1904 d. May 21, 2000
Actor. Born Arthur John Gielgud in South Kensington, London to Frank Gielgud, a stockbroker, and his wife, Kate Terry-Lewis. He attended Hillside preparatory school, where he first appeared onstage in a production of Shakespeare's ‘Merchant of Venice'. At 17 he made his professional debut at the Old Vic in 1921 in a minor role in ‘Henry V.' He studied his craft at Lady Benson's Dramatic Academy and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Monroe, Vaughn
b. October 7, 1911 d. May 21, 1973
Singer, Orchestra Leader, Actor. One of the most successful radio and recording artists of the 1940s and 1950's, he had dozens of top selling records, including "There, I've Said it Again", "Let it Snow", "Dance Ballerina" and "Ghost Riders in the Sky". As a result of his popularity Camel Cigarettes signed him for the Saturday night radio show "The CBS Caravan". He received parts in several motion pictures, including "Singing Guns" and "The Toughest Man in Arizona".

Died On This Date

2009-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 20
Columbus, Christopher
b. September 1, 1451 d. May 20, 1506
Explorer. He is credited with discovering America for Europeans in 1492, although at the time, he believed he had discovered a new route to China. He was given the titles Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy of the Indies. Born Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon as he called himself in Spain), the eldest of five children in Genoa, Italy, to Domenico Colombo, a wool weaver and local guildsman, and Susanna Fontanarossa, the daughter of a wool weaver. Although trained to follow in his father'.

Lafayette, Marquis de
b. September 6, 1757 d. May 20, 1834
Revolutionary War Continental Army Major General. After the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in North America, he offered his services to the colonists, and refused to take any pay for his services while spending much of his own money to outfit the American Colonial Army with shoes and clothing. Born Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier in France to a military father who was killed when he was two, at age twelve, his mother passed away and a few weeks later his wealthy grandfather.

Radner, Gilda
b. June 28, 1946 d. May 20, 1989
Actress, Comedienne. Gained wide fame in the mid-1970s as an original cast member on the hit TV comedy series "Saturday Night Live." Fondly remembered for creating many unique characters. She was married to actor Gene Wilder. Cause of death: Ovarian cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 19
Kennedy Onassis (Bouvier), Jacqueline Lee 'Jackie'
b. July 28, 1929 d. May 19, 1994
Presidential First Lady. Wife of 35th United States President John F. Kennedy. She served as First Lady from January 20, 1961 to November 22, 1963. She was a daughter of John Vernon Bouvier, III and his wife, Janet Lee. Cause of death: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Boleyn, Anne
b. 1502 d. May 19, 1536
Queen Consort. She was the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. When the Vatican refused to nullify his first marriage to Catharine of Aragon , Henry changed Christianity forever by denouncing the Vatican and creating the National Church in England with him the supreme leader. Annie Boleyn became his wife, but soon became disillusioned with her for failing to produce a male heir to the throne of England.

Hawthorne, Nathaniel
b. July 4, 1804 d. May 19, 1864
Renowned Author. He was a descendent of prominent early New England settlers. His most famous work was "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850. His other novels were, "Fanshawe," "The House of the Seven Gables," "The Blithedale Romance," and "The Marble Faun." His short stories were, "Twice-Told Tales," "Mosses From An Old Manse," and "Tanglewood Tales".

Died On This Date

2009-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 18
Montgomery, Elizabeth Victoria
b. April 15, 1933 d. May 18, 1995Actress. best remembered for her leading role as Samantha, the beautiful witch who cast spells by twitching her nose on the top-rated ABC Sitcom "Bewitched" (1964-1972). Montgomery was born in Hollywood, California in Aprill of 1933, the daughter of actress Elizabeth Allen Montgomery and actor-director Robert Montgomery. Cause of death: Colon cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 17
Welk, Lawrence
b. March 11, 1903 d. May 17, 1992
Jazz Bandleader, Musician. He is best remembered for his television show, "The Lawrence Welk Show" which ran for 27 years, from 1955 to 1982. Born on a farm in Strasburg, North Dakota, the sixth of nine children, his parents were Alsatian Germans, and he dropped out of school in fourth grade. Since virtually everyone in his community was German, he grew up speaking German, not learning English until he was 21. As a result, his unique accent never left him. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Randall (Rosenberg), Tony (Leonard)
b. February 26, 1920 d. May 17, 2004
Actor, Entertainer. Fondly remembered for his role of 'Felix Unger' on the hit 1970s television series, "The Odd Couple," for which he won an Emmy Award. A highly respected and accomplished stage actor, he was popular in numerous Broadway plays. He appeared in many motion pictures, including "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" (1957), "Pillow Talk" (1959), "7 Faces of Dr. Lao" (1964), and "Our Man in Marrakesh" (1966).

Died On This Date

2009-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 16
Henson, Jim
b. September 24, 1936 d. May 16, 1990
Entertainer. He is best known as the creator of the "Muppets". He began his career on a Washington, DC television station on a five-minute program called "Sam and Friends." The appearance of Muppets on the show "Sesame Street" (1969) catapulted Henson to nationwide popularity. His subsequent television shows ("The Muppet Show" in 1976, and "Fraggle Rock" in 1983) and films--The Muppet Movie (1979), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)-gained international recognition. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Davis Jr., Sammy
b. December 8, 1925 d. May 16, 1990
American Entertainment Icon. Acclaimed and beloved singer, actor, and dancer. A multi-talented performer, Sammy Davis, Jr. recorded forty albums and made countless film, television and appearances in Las Vegas in his life time. He was born in Dec. of 1925 in Harlem New York to New York vaudeville star Sammy Davis, Sr., and the Puerto Rican dancer.

Ness, Eliot
b. April 19, 1903 d. May 16, 1957
Law Officer. He was the Federal agent who brought gangster Al Capone to justice. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was educated at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1925 with a degree in business and law. He initially worked as an investigator for the Retail Credit Company of Atlanta, Georgia, working in their field office in Chicago, where he conducted credit investigations on persons applying to banks for credit loans.

Died On This Date

2009-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 15
Dickinson, Emily
b. December 10, 1830 d. May 15, 1886
Renowned Poet. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, the second daughter (the third and last child) of Edward Dickinson and Emily Norcross. Her father served in the General Court of Massachusetts and later in the United States House of Representatives. Raised in a strict puritanical Massachusetts in a Christian tradition, she would later challenge her parents' beliefs. She attended Amherst Academy, and later, South Hadley Female Seminary.

Cash, June Carter
b. June 23, 1929 d. May 15, 2003
Country Singer, producer, author, actress. Born in Maces Springs, Virginia, on June 23, 1929, as Valerie June Carter, she was a member of the famous singing Carter Family. The Carter Family began recording country music in 1927 and continued until Maybelle's death in 1978. The Carter Family Singers included members like 'Mother' Maybelle Carter, Anita Carter, and Alvin Pleasant 'A.P.' Carter, and of course June who would go onto a successful singing career herself.

Died On This Date

2009-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 14
Sinatra, Frank (Francis Albert)
b. December 12, 1915 d. May 14, 1998
Singer, Actor, Entertainer. He began his career in the 1930s and achieved widespread national popularity in the early 1940s. Nicknamed "Old Blue Eyes," he attained the pinnacle of his success in the music industry in the 1950s and 1960s with albums such as "Wee Small Hours" (1955), "Come Fly with Me" (1958), and "Nice 'N' Easy" (1960). He started Reprise Records in 1962, and won an Academy Award for his role as 'Angelo Maggio' in the motion picture "From Here to Eternity" (1953).

Hayworth, Rita
b. October 17, 1918 d. May 14, 1987
Actress. Born to Spanish dancer Eduardo Cansino and Volga Hayworth, a Ziegfield Follies showgirl, Rita Hayworth began her career as a dancer in the family act during her adolescence. In the late 1930s, she signed with Columbia studios who urged her to dye her hair auburn and change her name to Rita Hayworth. Cause of death: Alzheimers Disease.

Stack, Robert
b. January 13, 1919 d. May 14, 2003
Actor. Born in Los Angeles, California to James Langford Stack and Elizabeth Modini Wood Stack. His parents divorced when he was one year old, and his mother took him to Europe when he was 3, he couldn't speak English until he was 6. Robert spoke fluent Italian and French, but had to learn English when they returned to Los Angeles. His parents remarried in 1928. He was a National skeet champion at age 16 and a member of the all-American team. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Died On This Date

2009-05-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

May 13
Cooper, Gary (Frank James)
b. May 7, 1901 d. May 13, 1961
Actor. His career lasted over thirty six years in which he received five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, winning twice and also received an Honorary Award from the Academy for his many memorable screen performances and the international recognition he, as an individual, had gained for the motion picture industry. He was born Frank James Cooper in Helena, Montana to English parents and spent part of his childhood around Helena - his father served as a Montana Supreme Curt Justice.

O'Hanlon, Virginia
b. July 20, 1889 d. May 13, 1971
American Folk Figure. She penned the most famous Christmas letter of the last two centuries. As an eight-year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon asked her father Philip whether there was a Santa Claus. His best advice was to write to the "New York Sun" and, if she saw it in print there, she could believe it. The letter, written September 21, 1897 to the general editor of the "Sun" Francis Pharcellus Church.

Blocker, Dan
b. December 10, 1928 d. May 13, 1972
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of ‘Hoss Cartwright' in the TV series, "Bonanza," which ran from 1959 to 1972. Born in Bowie County, Texas, he entered the movie and television field in 1955 with his first role in the film, "Hook a Crook" (1955). He began taking small cameo roles on television, in such programs (mostly westerns) as "Gunsmoke," "Playhouse 90," "Cheyenne," "Tales of Wells Fargo," "The Restless Gun," "Maverick," "The Rifleman," and "Zane Grey Theater."

Peterson, Oscar Verner
b. August 27, 1899 d. May 13, 1942World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Born in Prentis, Wisconsin and enlisted in the Navy December 8, 1920. He served continuously at sea and on April 8, 1941, reported for duty on the U.S.S. NEOSHO (AO-23) as Chief Water Tender. His citation reads, "At the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 7, 1942, his ship was under heavy attacks from Japanese dive bombers. Furious fires broke out and the struggle to save the ship began. He was in charge of a repair party below.

Wills, James Robert 'Bob'
b. March 6, 1905 d. May 13, 1975'King of Western Swing'. Founder of Bob Will's western swing band. The inscription on his headstone reads "Deep Within My Heart Lies a Melody."

Clem, John Lincoln
b. August 31, 1851 d. May 13, 1937
Civil War Figure, United States Army General. On May 24, 1861, at just 9-years of age, he left his home in Newark, Ohio, to join the fighting that had recently erupted in what would become the Civil War. His mother had been killed in a train accident, and he was now free to do his part to protect the Union. The first thing he did was to change his name. He was born John Joseph Klem, but changed his middle name to Lincoln because of his admiration for President Abraham Lincoln.

Winder, David F.
b. August 10, 1946 d. May 13, 1970
Vietnam Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade. In Vietnam on May 13, 1970 Pfc. Winder a senior medical aid man with Company A, was in a sweep of a freshly cut rice paddy when his unit came under assault from an entrenched force. Hearing cries from the wounded, the unarmed Winder started to crawl toward the nearest casualty across a long swath of bullet-swept terrain.

Ahern, George Patrick
b. December 29, 1859 d. May 13, 1940
United States Army Officer, Conservationist. He served in Cuba and the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. After the war, he remained in the Philippines to organize the Office of Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks and later the Bureau of Forestry for the Philippine Government. Earlier in 1890, he explored some of the last areas unmapped in Montana, mapping what would become Glacier National Park.

Phillips, William
b. 1731 d. May 13, 1781
Major General William Phillips. Artillery hero in the Seven Years War; Deputy commander to General John Burgoyne at Battle of Saratoga; Prisoner of War at Albemarle Barracks, Virginia; Commander of the British Campaign in Virginia March-May 1781 and Army at the Battle of Petersburg on 25 April 1781. Cause of death: "Malignant Fever".

Sarazen, Gene
b. February 27, 1902 d. May 13, 1999
Professional Golfer. Gene Sarazen was the first professional golfer to win all four major championships. He was also known for his legendary "shot heard 'round the world" with his rare double-eagle in the 1935 Masters. Born Eugenio Saraceni, he was known as "The Squire" for his golf knickers and cap. Sarazen is also known as the inventor of the sand wedge.

Jenks, Frank
b. November 4, 1902 d. May 13, 1962
Character Actor and Musician. He made more than 130 movies, including the classic comedy "His Girl Friday" (1940) as a newspaper reporter and as a singing cabdriver in "100 Men and a Girl" with Deanna Durbin. He appeared playing his trombone in "The Big Broadcast of 1937." He also worked in "Letter of Introduction" (1938), "Golden Boy" (1939), "Follow the Boys" (1944), "Two Girls and a Sailor" (1944) and "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945).

Case, Theodore W.
b. December 12, 1888 d. May 13, 1944
Inventor. An important figure in the development of sound motion pictures. Case was born in Auburn, New York, into a socially prominent family. He began to experiment with photographing sound waves while a student at Yale, and in 1916 he set up the Case Research Laboratory in a greenhouse at his Auburn estate. During World War I he worked on classified projects involving infrared signals for the US Navy.

Burks, Robert
b. July 4, 1909 d. May 13, 1968
Cinematographer. He was the favorite cameraman of director Alfred Hitchcock. From 1951 to 1964 Burks shot 12 films for the "Master of Suspense", a remarkable collaboration that resulted in some of the most memorable images in Hollywood history. He won an Academy Award for the dazzling color photography of "To Catch a Thief" (1955) and received Oscar nominations for "Strangers on a Train" (1951), "Rear Window" (1954), and the Guy Green-directed "A Patch of Blue" (1965).

Williams, John J.
b. 1843 d. May 13, 1865
Civil War Union Army Soldier. A Private in the Union Army, he was killed at the Battle of Palmetto Ranch, Texas, on May 13 1865. He was the last man killed in the US Civil War.

Smalley, Henry Adam
b. February 28, 1834 d. May 13, 1888
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Graduated from the USMA in 1854. Served in the Civil War first as Colonel and commander of the 5th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, having been granted a leave of absence from the Regular Army. He commanded the unit until September 1862, when his leave was revoked, and he returned to the Regular service as a Captain in the 2nd United States Regular Artillery.

Semple, Robert
b. August 18, 1887 d. May 13, 1943
Mexican Vera Cruz Campaign Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a 28 year old Navy chief gunner when he earned his Medal. His citation reads "For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of the landing of American navel forces at Vera Cruz (Mexico) on 21 April 1914. C.G. Semple was then attached to the U.S.S. Florida as a chief turret captain." Retired as a Navy Lieutenant Commander, his other Navy awards include the Navy Cross.

Died On This Date

2009-05-12T12:25:00.001-07:00

May 12
Como, Perry
b. May 18, 1912 d. May 12, 2001
Singer, Actor. Helped pioneer variety shows on the new medium of television in the 1950s. He worked as a barber before he left that profession in the 1930s to sing with big bands. He had 14 singles that made it to No. 1 and sold more than 100 million albums. He had more than 20 gold records in his career and was probably best known for the tune "And I Love You So." In 1958 he won a Grammy Award as best male singer for the hit "Catch a Falling Star." Cause of death: Died in his sleep from complications of alzheimers.

Stuart, James Ewell Brown 'J.E.B.'
b. February 6, 1833 d. May 12, 1864
Civil War Confederate Major General. After graduating from West Point in 1854, he became a first lieutenant in the United States Army 1st Cavalry, and an Indian fighter in the west. In 1859, he was sent with orders for Robert E Lee to go to Harpers Ferry to stop the raid of John Brown. After Brown's raiders were surrounded in the town, Stuart volunteered to issue the ultimatum to Brown before the final assault.

Reed, Robert
b. October 19, 1932 d. May 12, 1992
Motion picture and television actor. Fondly remembered in the role of 'Mike Brady,' the father on the popular TV series "The Brady Bunch." Cause of death: Cancer related to AIDS

Paine, Robert Treat
b. March 11, 1731 d. May 12, 1814
Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Paine graduated from Harvard University in 1749 at the age of 18, and taught school in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Discovering he lacked the patience to teach, after one year, he began to sail about the Atlantic, going to Spain, the Azores, and Greenland. Returning home in 1754, he began to study law, and became a lawyer in 1757 in Taunton, Massachusetts.

Scott, John Wallace
b. August 31, 1832 d. May 12, 1903
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a Brevet Major in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Captain in Company D, 157th Pennsylvania Infantry for action on April 1, 1865 at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads "Capture of the flag of the 16th South Carolina Infantry, in hand-to-hand combat."

Westerhold, William
b. January 21, 1836 d. May 12, 1910
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Binde, Prussia and he died in New York, New York. He entered the Union Army in New York, New York and served as a Sergeant in Company G, 52d New York Infantry. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant. He was awarded the CMOH for action on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania, Virginia. His citation reads "Capture of flag of 23d Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) and its bearer."

Lubin, Arthur
b. July 25, 1898 d. May 12, 1995
Motion Picture Director. He began his career as actor in silent movies. From 1930, he worked for Universal Pictures. He is best remembered for films such as "Big Town Czar" (1939), "Black Friday" (1940), "Hold That Ghost" (1941), "Phantom of the Opera" (1943), "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" (1944), "The Spider Woman Strikes Back" (1946), "Francis Goes to the Races" (1951) and "Lady Godiva" (1955).

Bettenhausen Sr., Melvin Eugene 'Tony'
b. September 12, 1916 d. May 12, 1961
Auto Race Car Driver. He was the 1951 and 1958 National Racing Champion. He was killed test driving a racecar at the Indianapolis Speedway.

Murphy, Jeremiah J.
b. February 2, 1858 d. May 12, 1932
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Wars with the Plains Indians as a Private in Company M, 3rd United States Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Powder River, Montana on March 17, 1876. His citation reads "Being the only member of his picket not disabled, he attempted to save a wounded comrade".

Berkman, Ted
b. January 9, 1914 d. May 12, 2006
Screenwriter, Author. Berkman wrote the story for the film "Bedtime for Bonzo", (1951) starring Ronald Reagan. Born Edward Oscar Berkman in Brookyln, NY. he was author of the book "Cast a Giant Shadow", which was made into a film starring Kirk Douglas. Berkman's other screenplays included "Fear Strikes Out", (1957) about real-life ballplayer Jimmy Piersall, starring Anthony Perkins and "Edge of Fury", (1958).

McKinney, William H.
d. May 12, 1864
Civil War Union Soldier. He was mustered into the Union Army on March 16, 1864, as a private, in Company F, 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was buried in Arlington on May 13, 1864, and was the first United States soldier to have family present at their funeral services. He also was the second soldier to be buried in Arlington. His stone lists his name as "W.H. McKinney".

Died On This Date

2009-05-11T05:02:00.001-07:00

May 11
Marley, Bob (Nesta Robert)
b. February 6, 1945 d. May 11, 1981
Reggae Musician. He is best remembered for bringing mainstream cultural acceptance of reggae music outside of Jamaica. His music was especially popular in Africa due much to its smooth combination of Jamaican and African musical sources. Born in Saint Ann, Jamaica, as Robert Nesta Marley, his father was a British Army Officer, Norval St. Clair Marley, and his mother was a Jamaican grocer, Cedella Malcolm (Booker). He was raised in the belief of Rastafari, a religion strongest in Jamaica. Cause of death: Cancer.

Terry, Seymour W
b. December 11, 1918 d. May 11, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during World War II in the United States Army as Captain and commander of Company B, 382nd Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Zebra Hill on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on May 11, 1945. His citation reads "1st Lt. Terry was leading an attack against heavily defended Zebra Hill when devastating fire from 5 pillboxes halted the advance.

Patterson, Floyd
b. January 4, 1935 d. May 11, 2006
Professional Boxer. Heavyweight champion from 1956-1959 & 1960-1962. He won the middleweight gold medal during the 1952 Summer Olympics. Trained and managed by Cus D'Amato from a teenaged amateur boxer to the youngest world heavyweight boxing champion and first in boxing history to successfully regain the heavyweight title. He became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion after knocking out Archie Moore in the fifth round on November 30 1956.

Adams, Henry A.
b. March 18, 1800 d. May 11, 1869
United States Naval Officer. Entering as a Midshipman on March 14, 1814, he would go on to serve 48 years in the United States Navy. He was promoted to Lieutenant on January 13, 1825, Commander on September 8, 1841, and Captain on September 14, 1855. He commanded the "USS Mississippi" in the East India Squadron, and it was at this post he had his greatest moment during his service, as he was second in command.

Stover, Russell
b. 1888 d. May 11, 1954
It was in Omaha that a fellow approached Stover with a chocolate-covered ice cream bar idea. Stover produced and sold it for a year. After the first mad surge for the novelty, sales dropped off and the Stovers bailed out with $25,000. This novelty was the Eskimo Pie. The Stover's moved to Denver where they began "Mrs. Stover's Bungalow Candies." In 1931 they moved their business to Kansas City. Many Kansas Citizens will remember the company headquarters at 1206 Main street in downtown Kansas.

Flatt, Lester
b. June 19, 1914 d. May 11, 1979
Bluegrass Musician. A native of the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennesse, he ranks as one of the all-time preeminent lead singers of Bluegrass music. Born in Sparta,Tennessee, he left school in 1931 at an early age to work in the local textile mills. While working in the mill, he got a part time job at radio station WDBJ to perform with "The Charlie Scott Harmonizers". Later he would team up with Clyde Moody and perform a few shows in and around Burlington,North Carolina.

Rambo (Luttrell), Dottie (Joyce Reba)
b. March 2, 1934 d. May 11, 2008
Gospel Singer, Songwriter. Born Joyce Reba Luttrell. She was a prolific composer in the Christian music industry and credited with up to 2500 songs that she wrote and co-wrote. Many of her songs have been recorded by various artists. She was awarded the Grammy in 1969 for her album, "It's The Soul of Me". She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and received many honors over her career, including Songwriter of the Century, the GMA Dove Award, ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award.

Miller, Frederick Edward John
b. November 24, 1824 d. May 11, 1888
Brewery founder. Founder of the Miller Brewing Company. He came to Milwaukee in 1855, and opened the Plank Road Brewery. Cause of death: Cancer.

Rice, James Clay
b. December 27, 1828 d. May 11, 1864
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Graduating from Yale in 1853, he taught at Natchez, Mississippi before traveling to New York City, where he took a position in the law office of Theodore Sedgwick, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. Upon the start of the Civil War, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant with the 39th New York Volunteer Infantry (the "Garibaldi Guard") and was engaged in action at the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run). He was promoted to Captain in August 1861.

Pollard, Frederick Douglass
b. January 27, 1894 d. May 11, 1986
"Fritz" Pollard was the first African-American to play in the Rose Bowl with Brown University in 1915 and was named the first African-American head coach in NFL history with the 1921 Akron Pros. He began his NFL career as a halfback with Akron in 1919 as one of two African-Americans in the league. He led the Pros to the first NFL championship in 1920. He also played for the Milwaukee Badgers, Hammond Pros and Providence Steam Roller in the NFL between 1919-26.

Barker, Lex
b. May 8, 1919 d. May 11, 1973
Actor. Born Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr. Died of a heart attack at the age of 54. Ex-husband of actress Lana Turner and actress Arlene Dahl. Married to actress Irene Labhardt until her death in 1962. Appeared in "Doll Face" (1945), "Tarzan's Magic Fountain" (1949), "Tarzan and the She Devil" (1953), and "Jungle Heat" (1957).

Howells, William Dean
b. March 1, 1837 d. May 11, 1920
Writer.

Smith, Maynard 'Snuffy'
b. May 19, 1911 d. May 11, 1984
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a Sergeant in the 423rd Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bomber Group. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery over Europe on May 1, 1943. Eighth Air Force bombers and fighters began arriving in England during the spring of 1942. The first heavy bomber mission against targets in Occupied Europe was flown on August 17, 1942.

Rockefeller Jr., John D.
b. January 29, 1874 d. May 11, 1960
Philanthropist, Social Reformer. The only son of John D. Rockefeller, he was born in Cleveland, Ohio, into one of the wealthiest American families of his time. His father had founded and was President of Standard Oil Company. His parents' strict discipline and frugal lifestyle were impressed upon him from the first day. His father's attitude could be explained with the question: "Is it right, is it duty?" From this, he admitted, he took responsibility early, and was serious.

Puller, Lewis B.
b. August 18, 1945 d. May 11, 1994
Author, and First Lieutenant, USMC (retired). He won the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for his autobiography, "Fortunate Son." His military awards include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart (2 awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal. Cause of death: suicide (by gunshot). One of the last victims of the Vietnam War. His father was the legendary Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in US History.

Lincoln, Evelyn Norton
b. June 25, 1909 d. May 11, 1995
She was the personal secretary to President John F. Kennedy. She was known for visiting Kennedy's grave at Arlington Cemetery every year on the anniversary of his death. In 1988 on the 25th anniversary, she went alone to the grave and laid three red roses near the eternal flame. Mrs. Lincoln also was the author of two best selling books, "My 12 Years with John F. Kennedy" and "Kennedy and Johnson."

Gould, Chester
b. November 20, 1900 d. May 11, 1985
Cartoonist. He is best known for creating the "Dick Tracy" cartoon strip. Born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, he spent 10 years working on various comic strips at the Chicago “Tribune”-New York “News” Syndicate under editor Joseph Medill Patterson before creating "Dick Tracy" in 1931. (Patterson shortened the first name from his original "Plainclothes Tracy" to the then nickname for detective, and the result was comic strip immortality.)

Terry, Dewey
b. 1938 d. May 11, 2003
R&B/Rock Musician. He was one-half of the musical group duo, 'Don & Dewey.' Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Dewey Terry and Don Harris, were high school friends. They first joined the musical group, 'The Squires' and recorded for the Vita Record Label before leaving and forming 'Don & Terry' and recording for the Specialty Record Label. The band was formed in Pasadena, California, in 1957, and had Dewey on keyboards/vocals and Don playing guitar and sometimes violin.

Blassie, Michael Joseph
b. April 4, 1948 d. May 11, 1972
United States Army Vietnam Veteran. A 1970 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he served in the Viet Nam War as a 1st Lieutenant the 8th Special Operations Squadron. He was shot down and killed while piloting his A-37B Dragonfly aircraft in the vicinity of An Loc, in South Vietnam. His remains were buried in Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of The Unknowns as an unidentified soldier from the Vietnam War.

Died On This Date

2009-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 10
Revere, Paul
b. January 1, 1735 d. May 10, 1818
Revolutionary War Patriot. A talented silversmith and member of the Revolutionary movement in Massachusetts, his attempts to warn prominent Massachusetts patriot members Samuel Adams and John Hancock, as well as the Lexington countryside of the impending approach of British Regular troops on April 18, 1775 was popularized by poet William Wadsworth Longfellow's highly fictionalized poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere".

Jackson, Thomas Jonathan 'Stonewall'
b. January 21, 1824 d. May 10, 1863
Civil War Confederate Major General. Born in what is now the state of West Virginia, in the town of Clarksburg to parents who unable to secure medical attention died literally as the result of extreme poverty. Orphaned, he was taken in and raised by an uncle. Desiring an education, Thomas Jackson applied to West Point, realizing acceptance meant a free education. Though, ill-prepared, he applied himself and his grades improved each year resulting graduating 17th in a class of 59. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Crawford, Joan (Lucille Fay LeSueur)
b. March 23, 1905 d. May 10, 1977
Actress. Born Lucille Fay Le Sueur in San Antonio, Texas, but christened Joan Crawford by Hollywood, she exemplified the 1920s carefree "flapper" era to a 'T'. Her beauty and vivacity catapulted her to stardom in the late 1920s in the hugely popular silent classic "Our Dancing Daughters". Ever since that point, the resilient actress with the ever expressive eyes, the famous overpainted lips and the will of steel created for herself one of the most legendary and enduring Hollywood personae Cause of death: Cancer and acute coronary occlusion.

Michael, Moina Belle
b. August 15, 1869 d. May 10, 1944
Educator, "Poppy Lady." Moina Michael established the poppy as a universal symbol of tribute and support for veterans. Flanders Field is a United States military cemetery near Waregem, Belgium which contain the bodies of 368 Americans who died in World War I. It was the source for the famous poem, "In Flanders Field" by Canadian poet John McCrae.

Willcox, Orlando Bolivar
b. April 16, 1823 d. May 10, 1907
Civil War Union Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he graduated 8th in the United States Military Academy class of 1847. After his graduation, he served in garrisons in Mexico, New Mexico Territory, Massachusetts, and Florida. In 1857 he resigned his commission, returned to his hometown, and became a lawyer. Reenlisting in military service on May 1, 1861, with the rank of Colonel of the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry.

Kelly, George E.M.
b. 1878 d. May 10, 1911
United States Army Officer. 2nd Lieutenant Kelly was the first U.S. military pilot to lose his life while flying a military aircraft. Kelly was attempting to land his aricraft when a front strut collapsed, causing his aircraft to veer toward an encampment of the 11th Infantry. To avoid crashing into the tents, Kelly banked sharply and was killed when his plane smashed into the ground. San Antonio's Kelly Air Force Base was named in his honor.

Weber, Joe
b. August 11, 1867 d. May 10, 1942
Comedian, Theatrical Producer. Joe Weber was the "business smart" half of Weber and Fields, a 19th century comedy team that ended up revolutionizing the 20th century musical theater. In 1877, Weber teamed with his Bowery, NY neighbor and friend, Lew Fields, to develop a knockabout comedy act to play the local saloons. Both Joe and Lew were nine years old. They based their characters, Mike and Meyer, on caricatures of the Dutch German immigrants they saw on the streets in the Bowery.

Silverstein, Shel
b. September 25, 1930 d. May 10, 1999
Poet, Writer, Humorist, Cartoonist, Composer, Recording artist. Born Sheldon Allan Silverstein, he was the son of Nathan and Helen Silverstein. As early as age twelve, Silverstein was drawing and writing works of strange and wondrous humor. He claimed that it was his only real talent and joked that he sometimes was more interested in it than in girls. He was quoted as saying that he had no real influences for his art and did not even see works by those he would come to admire. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Halyburton Jr., William David
b. October 2, 1924 d. May 10, 1945
WW II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Pharmacist's Mate Second Class, U.S. Naval Reserve with a Marine Rifle Company in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. During action against Japanese forces on May 10, 1945 at Okinawa, he dashed across an open fire-swept field where the company was pinned down to assist casualties. Moving steadily forward he reached a wounded Marine and shielded the fallen fighter with his own body.

Walley, Deborah
b. August 12, 1943 d. May 10, 2001
She was the perky young actress that succeeded Sandra Dee in the "Gidget" sequel. She starred in several beach frolic movies of the 1960s. A fan favorite from the beginning, the petite red head was chosen Photoplay Magazine's Most Popular Actress in 1961. She may have created her best legacy away from Hollywood. Moving to Arizona to rear her three sons, she co-founded two children's theater companies, Pied Piper Productions and the Sedona Children's Theatre. Cause of death: Esophageal cancer.

Padgett, Benjamin Lewis
b. March 20, 1894 d. May 10, 1951
United States Army Officer. Gained the sobrequet "Gadget Padgett" after he invented a simple wooden machine that allowed the shifting of colored paper to represent statistical trends in motion. He was paid a large sum for the Graph Device from a major business machine company of this century. Joined the United States Army in World War I and soon found himself working for future President Herbert Hoover on the American Relief Effort to ease the plight of more than 120,000 Americans stranded .

Beckett, Scotty
b. October 4, 1929 d. May 10, 1968Actor. He is best-known for his role as Scotty, one of the cutest of "The Little Rascals". Born in Oakland, California, Beckett had already made his film debut (at age three) when producer Hal Roach signed him up for his "Our Gang" series in 1934. Clad in an oversized sweater and a baseball cap worn sideways, he was always watchable but never really developed his own personality among the gang. Scotty was most often paired with Spanky to provide wry commentary about the bigger kids. Cause of death: Drug overdose.

Stevens, Craig
b. July 8, 1918 d. May 10, 2000
Actor. An American motion picture and television figure, he was best known as television's "Peter Gunn". Cause of death: Cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-05-09T05:48:00.002-07:00

May 9
Hawken, Samuel
b. October 26, 1792 d. May 9, 1884
Gunsmith. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, he moved west to establish a gunsmithy in Xenia, Ohio. Sometime after 1821, Hawken's wife died and he relocated to St. Louis where his elder brother, Jacob, and his partner also worked as gunsmiths. Hawken set up his own independent shop and would not form a partnership with his brother until 1825 when Jacob's business partner died. The brothers were considered the best gunsmiths in St. Louis and the product they turned out were high quality arms.

Jones, James
b. November 6, 1921 d. May 9, 1977
American Novelist. Born and raised in Robinson, Illinois, Jones joined the U.S. Army soon after graduating from High School in 1939. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, where he witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He is best remembered for his trilogy of war novels, From Here to Eternity (1951), The Thin Red Line (1962) and Whistle (1978), which have been called “our most significant fictional treatment of U.S. involvement in World War II.”

Faye, Alice
b. May 5, 1915 d. May 9, 1998
Actress. Born Alice Jeane Leppert and raised in New York City’s “Hells Kitchen,” Alice Faye quit school at 14 to become a chorus girl, lying about her age in order to get the audition. She danced in the famous “George White’s Scandals” revues. Not long after that she was discovered by Rudy Vallee, who hired her to sing with his band. Vallee went to Hollywood to star in Fox’s 1934 film version of George White’s Scandals and Faye, who was slated to sing one song in the film. Cause of death: Stomach cancer.

Hopkinson, Francis
b. September 21, 1737 d. May 9, 1791
Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the age of 14, he was the first student to enroll in the Philadelphia Academy, and the first to be given a diploma by the College of Philadelphia. He studied to become a lawyer, but for many years, did little legal work. More interested in the arts, he preferred to draw pictures, wrote poems, and composed songs.

Penry, Richard Allen
b. November 18, 1948 d. May 9, 1994
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Penry served as a Sergeant, United States Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade. He was awarded his medal for service at Binh Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam, on January 31, 1970. His citation reads-For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Penry, Company C, distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman during a night ambush mission.

Whitley, Keith
b. July 1, 1955 d. May 9, 1989
Country Singer. Husband of country singer Lorrie Morgan. Born Jessie Keith Whitley in Sandy Hook, Kentucky. Keith learned to play guitar at age 6 and first appeared on the Buddy Starcher's regional TV show at age 8. He formed a bluegrass band with his friend Ricky Skaggs a few years later. When both teenagers were 15 years old they were asked to play a local show when Ralph Stanley's entourage was running late. Stanley hired them for his band and they stayed for two years until Keith went to. Cause of death: Alcohol poisoning.

King, Alan
b. December 26, 1927 d. May 9, 2004
Entertainer, Actor. Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, King starred in over thirty different films and produced several films and television shows. At the time of his death, King was serving as the Abbot of the New York Friar's Club, a guild of actors who are known for their famous roasts. King was also known for holding the record for number of appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," appearing on that stage a staggering 93 times.

Devaney, Bob
b. April 13, 1915 d. May 9, 1997
Legendary footbal coach who won two National Championships at Nebraska including the 1971 "Game of the Century" versus Oklahoma.

Post, Charles William 'C.W.'
b. October 26, 1854 d. May 9, 1914
Cereal Magnate and Inventor of Grape-Nuts. Cause of death: Suicide by gunshot.

Lorne, Marion
b. August 12, 1885 d. May 9, 1968
Actress. Fondly remembered as the dithery, bumbling Aunt Clara on the "Bewitched" (1964) television series, endearing character actress Marion Lorne had a five decade career on the stage before she became a household name. Born Marion Lorne MacDougall, she grew up in her native Pennsylvania, the daughter of Scottish and English immigrants. Trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, she appeared in stock shows, and was on the Broadway boards by 1905.

Conroy, Donald 'The Great Santini'
b. April 4, 1921 d. May 9, 1998
Conroy was the father of author Pat Conroy, whose book, "The Great Santini," was based on the life of his father, Donald Conroy. In the movie version of "The Great Santini" Robert Duvall played the character based on Donald Conroy. He was part of the Black Sheep Squadron during the Korean War and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Cause of death: Colon cancer.

Pinza, Ezio Fortunato
b. May 18, 1892 d. May 9, 1957
Opera Singer. It is said that his father insisted that he give up civil engineering to become an opera singer. He switched careers, studying at the Conservatory of Bologna, with a three-year stint at La Scala in Milan. His New York debut at the Met was in 1926 where he sang bass until 1949. He then launched a third career, starring on Broadway in "South Pacific", leading to roles in records, radio, movies, and television.

O'Brien, Edmond
b. September 10, 1915 d. May 9, 1985
Actor. Born in New York City, he was a major Hollywood screen star for nearly four decades. A graduate of Columbia University, he began his early career honing his skills to become a magician, before deciding to pursue a career in motion pictures. He made his screen debut as an extra in the 1938 film "The Prisoner." The following year he received his first major on-screen acting credit as Gringoire in the "Hunchback of Notre Dame." Cause of death: Alzheimers disease complicated by heart problems.

Sedgwick, John
b. September 13, 1813 d. May 9, 1864
Civil War Union Major General. One of the best known Corps commanders of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. General Sedgwick, a 1837 West Point graduate, served in the Mexican War and on the US Frontier, often with many army officers who would become generals for both the South and the North in the war. He commanded a division in the Second Corps during General George B. McClellan's Pennisular compaign, the Second Bull Run campaign, and the Battle of Antietam.

Summers, James Calvin
b. February 14, 1838 d. May 9, 1927
Civil Warm Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company H, 4th West Virginia Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 22, 1863. His citation reads "Gallantry in charge of the "volunteer storming party".

Higginson, Thomas Wentworth
b. December 22, 1828 d. May 9, 1911
Civil War Union Army Officer. A major abolitionist figure in the pre-Civil War days, he served as Colonel and commander of the 1st South Carolina (USA) Volunteer Infantry, which was the very first African-American Union infantry regiment of the Civil War. He recruited escaped slaved from South Carolina to fight the Confederacy, and pre-dated the more famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry by nearly a year. He served first as Captain and commander of Company C, 51st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

Corliss, Stephen Potter
b. July 25, 1842 d. May 9, 1904
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Civil War as a First Lieutenant in Company F, 4th New York Heavy Artillery, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery at Battle of South Side Railroad, Virginia, on April 2, 1865. The Confederates had a battery posted on an elevation near the South Side Railroad where it intersected with the White Oak Road leading into Petersburg when the order came to capture the battery.

Howell, Hoke
b. August 27, 1929 d. May 9, 1997
Actor. Born in Georgia and raised in South Carolina he used his smooth southern accent and unique acting style to get his start on Broadway in 1958. In the early 1960’s he went to California where he became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. One of his earliest and most memorable roles was that of Dud Wash, the boyfriend of Charlene Darling on the Andy Griffith Show. Cause of death: Heart failure.

Harney, William Selby
b. August 27, 1800 d. May 9, 1889
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Born in Haysboro, Tennessee, the son of Thomas and Margaret Harney. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the First United States Infantry in February of 1818. He fought in the First Seminole War and was promoted to First Lieutenant in January 1819. Harney was promoted to Major in the Paymaster Corps in May 1833 and then to Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Dragoons in August 1836.

Died On This Date

2009-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 8
Arnold, Eddy (Richard Edward)
b. May 15, 1918 d. May 8, 2008
Country Music Singer. A country gentleman who brought style and innumerable fans to country music, he was at heart just a "Tennessee Plowboy". During his career he sold more than 85 million records starting in the 1940's and ending with his last and 100th album "After All This Time" released in 2005. He ranks as Billboard magazine's single most popular country artist of all time. Some of his popular hits include, "The Cattle Call", "Make the World Go Away", and "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye".

Peppard, George
b. October 1, 1928 d. May 8, 1994
Actor, he is best remembered for his breakthrough role of Paul “Fred” Varjak in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), and for his role of Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith in the television series “The A-Team” (1983-1986). Born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of opera singer and building contractor Vernelle Rohrer. He graduated from Dearborn High School in nearby Dearborn, Michigan, and attended Purdue University, where he studied Engineering, later transferring to Carnegie Mellon University. Cause of death: Pneumonia.

Thordsen, William George
b. April 2, 1879 d. May 8, 1932
Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor Recipient. He was serving as a Coxswain in the United States Navy when he earned his Medal. His citation reads: For heroism and gallantry under fire of the enemy at Hilongas, Philippine Islands, 6 May 1900. His Medal was awarded on August 15, 1900. He later served as Chief Gunners Mate.

Fox, William
b. January 1, 1879 d. May 8, 1952
Motion Picture Pioneer. Founder of the Fox Film Corporation. He was born Wilhelm Fried in Tulchva, Hungary, to German-Jewish parents. In the US from infancy, he was raised in a tenement in New York's Lower East Side and left school at age 11 to help support his family. After years of toiling in the garment business, he bought a penny arcade in 1904 and was soon operating nickelodeons throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan; he then set up a film distribution branch, The Greater New York Rental.

Andrews, Laverne
b. July 6, 1915 d. May 8, 1967
Jazz Musician. Along with her sisters Maxene and Patty, she was part of the Big Band singing Trio "The Andrews Sisters". Enormously popular during World War II, they were dubbed as "America's Wartime Sweethearts". Cause of death: Cancer.

Stark, John
b. August 28, 1728 d. May 8, 1822
Revolutionary War Continental Army Major General. John Stark was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire. He served as a captain in Roger's Rangers during the French and Indian War (1752-1760). At the outbreak of the American Revolution, Clark became a colonel of a regiment of New Hampshire militia. His first action was at Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, where his heroic action kept the British from flanking the Colonials on Breed's Hill.

DeCastro, Joseph H.
b. November 14, 1844 d. May 8, 1892
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War as a Corporal in Company I, 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during his regiment's attack and repulse of elements of Pickett's Charge on the Third Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (July 3, 1863). His citation reads "Capture of flag of 19th Virginia regiment (C.S.A.)". His Medal was issued on December 1, 1864. He was one of seven 19th Massachusetts Infantry.

Gauguin, Paul
b. June 7, 1848 d. May 8, 1903
Painter and woodcut artist. First he was a sailor, then a stockbroker in Paris but painted in his free time. He began working with Camille Pissarro in 1874 and showed in every Impressionist exhibition between 1879 and 1886. In 1884 he moved with his family to Copenhagen, where he unsuccessfully pursued a business career. He returned to Paris in 1885 to paint full-time, leaving his family in Denmark.

Krotiak, Anton L.
b. August 15, 1915 d. May 8, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Private First Class in the United States Army in Company I, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 8, 1945 at Balete Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads in part "A grenade thrown from above landed in the center of the group.

Williams, Garth
b. April 16, 1912 d. May 8, 1996
Artist, Illustrator. He began his career as an artist, becoming headmaster of Luton Art School in England. He was given the British "Prix de Rome" for his sculptures. After returning to America, he turned to illustration, doing work for "The New Yorker." His first book illustrations were for E.B. White's "Stuart Little." This was such a success that he became a full time illustrator of children's books. Williams is perhaps best known for illustrating most of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House On the Prarie."

Ryan, George E.
b. April 19, 1836 d. May 8, 1864
Civil War Union Army Officer. A 1857 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 7th United States Regular Infantry in the early days of the war. Promoted to Captain in July 1862, he served as acting Adjutant General on the staff of Major General George Sykes from December 1862 to June 1863, and as acting Adjutant General and Chief of Staff to Brigadier General Romeyn B. Ayers from June 1863 to July 1863.

Grant, Joe
b. May 15, 1908 d. May 8, 2005
Cartoonist, Writer. One of Walt Disney's most talented artists and story men, his career spanned over 70 years. With his creative partner, Dick Huemer, Grant wrote the original story for "Dumbo" (1941), and he collaborated on the scripts and character designs for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), "Pinocchio" (1940), "Fantasia" (1940), and the Oscar-winning short "Der Fuehrer's Face" (1942). Grant was born in New York City and studied at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.

Wadsworth, James
b. October 30, 1807 d. May 8, 1864
Civil War Union Major General. Considered by some to be the richest man in the Union army. He never accepted any pay, and offered his fortune to the government at the outset of the war. Served for a short time as a volunteer aide to General Irwin McDowell during the First Manassas Campaign. Appointed Brigadier General, US Volunteers on August 9, 1861. Became Military Governor of the District of Columbia in March 1862, even though he had no formal military training.

Died On This Date

2009-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 7
Fairbanks Jr., Douglas
b. December 9, 1909 d. May 7, 2000
Actor. Movie star of the 1930s and 1940s. He was the son of silent film star Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and the first husband of actress Joan Crawford. He began his career during the silent era in bit parts until 1923 when he starred in the film Stephen Steps Out which quickly went out of circulation. He continued working and had parts in the films Broken Hearts of Hollywood (1926), Modern Mothers (1928), Dead Man's Curve (1928), A Woman of Affairs (1928) which starred Greta Garbo and John Gilbert.

Rabbitt, Eddie (Edward Thomas)
b. November 27, 1941 d. May 7, 1998
Singer, Songwriter. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, he was one of the most innovative country artists of alltime. His recording career began in 1964 but he didn't establish himself until he moved to Nashville in 1968. His earliest success was as a songwriter. In 1970 Elvis Presley recorded his song "Kentucky Rain" and in 1974 Ronnie Milsap had his first number one country single with the Eddie Rabbitt composition "Pure Love". Cause of death: Lung cancer.

Stanton, Thomas
b. August 11, 1869 d. May 7, 1950
US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Chief Machinist's Mate in the United States Navy. His citation reads "For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the fire on board the USS North Dakota, 8 September 1910."

Williams, Guy (Armand Catalano)
b. January 14, 1924 d. May 7, 1989
Actor. Born Armand Joseph Catalano in New York City, the son of Italian immigrants Attilio and Clare Catalano. He dropped out of the Peekskill Military Academy in pursuit of an acting career, supporting himself with jobs as a welder, accountant, aircraft-parts inspector, and Wanamaker's salesman. His first success was as a model, appearing in print and on billboards. He then adopted the name Guy Williams. In 1946, he signed with MGM Studios making his film debut in 1947's ‘ Cause of death: Brain aneurysm.

Cormack, Allan Macleod
b. February, 1924 d. May 7, 1998
Nobel prize winner in medicine 1979 for the development of computer assisted tomography, known popularly as CAT-Scans. The prize was shared with Geoffrey Hounsfield of Great Brittain, who developed his machine concurrent with Cormack's theoretical work which was a paper published in 1957 suggesting a reconstruction technique called the Radon transform. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa; educated at University of Cape Town and then lectured there; moved to the United States in 1957.

Lamon, Ward Hill
b. January 6, 1828 d. May 7, 1893
Abraham Lincoln's law partner, later becoming President Lincoln's bodyguard.

Miller, Edmund John 'Bing'
b. August 30, 1894 d. May 7, 1966
Major League Baseball Player. He began his career as an outfielder for the Washington Senators in 1921. The next season he played for the Philadelphia Athletics after an off season trade until 1926. He was traded to the St. Louis Browns and two years later traded back to Philadelphia where he remained until 1934. While with the A's, he was a member of three World Series teams in a row. In the 1929 Series, he played in all five games of the win getting 7 hits and driving in four runs.

McCalmont, Alfred Brunson
b. April 28, 1825 d. May 7, 1874
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served during the Civil War first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 208th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he assumed command of the regiment when its Colonel, Robert P. Cummins, was killed during the action of the First Day (July 1). He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "gallant services".

Mack, Ray
b. August 31, 1916 d. May 7, 1969
Professional Baseball Player. Real name Raymond James Mlckovsky. He played Major League Baseball for nine seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and very briefly with the New York Yankees. After attending Case Western Reserve University, where he was a Division III football star, he made his big league debut with Cleveland in 1938. He played his entire career at second base and was part of the revered double play combination with shortstop teammate, Lou Boudreau.

Fardy, Corp. John Peter
b. August 8, 1922 d. May 7, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. John Peter Fardy served as a Corporal and squad leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Islands. It was on May 6, 1945 when Company C was advancing against a strongly fortified defended Japanese position that Corporal Fardy's squad was suddenly brought under heavy small-arms fire.

Keith, Miguel
b. June 2, 1951 d. May 7, 1970
Medal of honor recipient. Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Combined Action platoon 1-3-2, 111 Marine Amphibious Force. Place and date: Quang Ngai province, Republic of Vietnam, 8 May 1970. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 2 June 1951, San Antonio, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Combined Action platoon 1-3-2. Cause of death: Killed in action.

Crowder, Enoch H.
b. April 11, 1859 d. May 7, 1932
United States Army General. A United States Army judge advocate general from 1911 to 1920, his comprehensive military plan for World War I included the Selective Service Act (the national draft, adopted in 1917). He served as United States Ambassador to Cuba from 1923 to 1927. Crowder State Park located in Edinburg, Missouri is named for him.

Berg, Nick (Nicholas)
b. April 2, 1978 d. May 7, 2004
Terrorism Victim. A small business owner who owned Prometheus Methods Tower Service, he was an independent contractor who thought his skills could be used to help the people of Iraq by rebuilding communication antennas. He traveled twice to Iraq (the first time was from December 21, 2003 to February 1, 2004. He returned to Iraq on March 14, 2004). On April 9th when he was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint and arrested. It was later revealed he had been kidnapped by Islamic militants. Cause of death: Beheaded by terrorists.

Wilson, John
b. December 29, 1838 d. May 7, 1864
Civil War Union Army Officer. He entered the Union Army with a commission of Captain in the 43rd New York Volunteer Infantry on Aug 3, 1861, having raised a company. He was subsequently engaged in the Battles of Lee's Mills, Warwick's Creek, Yorktown, Golden's Farm, Seven Days Battles, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Salem Church, Bank's Ford, 2nd Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Locust Grove, Mine Run and the Wilderness, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Died On This Date

2009-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 6
Thoreau, Henry David
b. July 12, 1817 d. May 6, 1862
Author. A transcendental believer, David Thoreau lived his theory of civil disobedience. He was born in the city of Concord, Massachusetts. His brother, an ornithologist, had a great influence on his life. Thoreau developed an interest in nature, spending much of his youth exploring the region's ponds and woods. His formal education started at the Concord Academy and then went on at Harvard College. Upon graduation returned to Concord and taught school.

Dietrich, Marlene
b. December 27, 1901 d. May 6, 1992
Actress, Singer. She appeared in over 70 films from 1914 to movies made after her death in 1992. Her acting style was so famous that she was spoofed by Madeline Kahn in the comedic film "Blazing Saddles”. Born just outside Berlin, Germany, her father was a police lieutenant (other biographies state he was an Army officer), and she was noted for her "bedroom eyes" early, including an affair with a professor that resulted in his dismissal from school.

Baum, L. Frank
b. May 15, 1856 d. May 6, 1919
Author and Journalist. Lyman Frank Baum (who used "Frank" as his Christian name throughout his life) showed a remarkable inclination for journalism from an early age, publishing his own small newspaper and stamp-collecting magazine while still in his teens. He would run several small publications through his adult life, taking jobs with newspapers like the "Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer" and "Chicago Evening Post" when his own ventures failed to bear fruit.

Woolley, Monty
b. August 17, 1888 d. May 6, 1963
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of a bombastic, overbearing ‘Sheridan Whiteside’ in the movie "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1941). In this movie, his line "My, how time flies when you're having fun" became a classic understatement. Born in New York City, he became a professor at Yale University and taught drama to the students, including Thornton Wilder and Cole Porter.

Homer, Louise Dilworth Beatty
b. April 30, 1871 d. May 6, 1947
Opera Singer. American dramatic contralto who partnered Enrico Caruso, Giovanni Martinelli and Beniamino Gigli at the Metropolitan Opera. She debuted on December 22, 1900 as ‘Amneris’ in Guiseppi Verdi's “Aida”, and performed until November 28, 1929 when she took her final bow as ‘Azucena’ in Verdi's “Il Trovatore” and on RCA Victor Red Seal Records. She appeared in the American premieres of Giacomo Puccini's “Madame Butterfly” as ‘Suzuki’ and Englebert Humperdinck's “Konigskinder” Cause of death: heart failure.

Howe, James Donnie
b. December 17, 1948 d. May 6, 1970
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Viet Nam War in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on May 6, 1970. 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 I, during operations against enemy forces.

Weems, Ted
b. September 26, 1901 d. May 6, 1963
Jazz Bandleader. With his "Ted Weems Orchestra", he had his first hit in 1925 with the song "Piccolo Pete". Popular in the 1930s, they appeared on many radio shows, and was the first band to include future singing star Perry Como. Other hits include "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" (1939 with Perry Como) and "Heartaches" (1947 with Elmo Tanner).

McGovern Jr., James B.
b. 1922 d. May 6, 1954World War II Fighter Pilot and CIA Operative. The swashbuckling McGovern was one of the first two Americans to die in combat with the North Vietnamese, seven years before the United States' official entry in the Vietnam War. He was known as "Earthquake McGoon" after a character in the "Li'l Abner" comic strip because of his imposing stature. During World War II McGovern was a fighter pilot in the 14th Air Force's "Tiger Shark" squadron, and was credited with shooting down four Japanese Zero.

Parks, Roberta Kathleen
b. 1951 d. May 6, 1974
Murder Victim. She was abducted from the campus of Oregon State University and murdered by serial killer Ted Bundy. Her skull was later found on Taylor Mountain. Bundy confessed to her murder shortly before his execution.

Rogers, Edward Samuel
b. June 21, 1900 d. May 6, 1939
Broadcaster, inventor, pioneer and visionary. Always thinking ahead, "Ted" Rogers became interested in radio back in 1911, when it was still a brand new concept. He created his own 1/2KW spark transmitter, one of the first licensed amateur sets in Canada, and used that to experament with transmission signals. By 1920 his little radio station was reaching both the Maritimes and the Pacific Coast. In 1921 he entered a competition sponsored by the American Radio Relay League.

Nugent, Christopher
b. 1838 d. May 6, 1898
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Orderly Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. His citation reads "Served on board the USS Fort Henry, Crystal River, Fla., 15 June 1863. Reconnoitering on the Crystal River on this date and in charge of a boat from the Fort Henry, Orderly Sgt. Nugent ordered an assault upon a rebel breastwork fortification. In this assault, the orderly sergeant and his comrades drove a guard of 11 rebels into the swamp, capturing their arms.

Mansfield, John
b. August, 1822 d. May 6, 1896
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 12th Veterans Reserve Corps. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services during the war". He served as California's Lieutenant Governor from 1880 to 1883.

Coates, Benjamin Franklin
b. June 23, 1827 d. May 6, 1899
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He served during the Civil War as Colonel and commander of the 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "efficient and meritorious services".

Van Dyke, Truman
b. 1898 d. May 6, 1984
Actor. Appeared in Silent Films.

Hooper, Joe Ronnie
b. August 8, 1938 d. May 6, 1979
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded his medal for service near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on February 21, 1968, during the Vietnam War. His citation reads-For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S

Died On This Date

2009-05-05T16:35:00.001-07:00

May 5
Bonaparte, Napoleon
b. August 15, 1769 d. May 5, 1821
Despite an indifferent career at military school, created an enormous Empire for France stretching from Spain to Russia: crowned as Napoleon I in 1804. His monument is of porphyry from Finland: inside it the body of the Emperor is contained in a series of six coffins of tin, mahogany, lead (2), ebony, and a last one of oak. He is buried in uniform with his hat across his legs.

Tishomingo, Chief
b. 1734 d. May 5, 1838
Chickasaw War Chief. Probably born in what is now Lee County, Mississippi. As a young man he served with General Anthony Wayne against the Shawnee in the Old Northwest and received a silver medallion from President Washington for his service. During the War of 1812, he served under Andrew Jackson. It is known that he received two tracts of land under the Pontotoc Treaty of 1832. After his service, he took several trips to Philadelphia and Washington DC before retiring to raise livestock.

Chapman, Alford B.
b. August 1, 1835 d. May 5, 1864
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War as Colonel and commander of the 57th New York Volunteer Infantry, which he led at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was killed in action in the May 1864 Battle of the Wilderness.

Blaik, Earl 'Red'
b. February 15, 1897 d. May 5, 1989
College Football Coach. He graduated from the United States Militiary Academy in 1920, but left the Army two years later. He worked as an assistant football coach for the University of Wisconsin and for the USMA before becoming head coach of Dartmouth's football team in 1934. In seven seasons there he led Dartmouth to a 45-15-4 record, and an undefeated 1937 season. He took over the USMA football team in 1941, and led it until 1958, compiling a stellar record in the process.

Karger, Maxwell
b. 1879 d. May 5, 1922
Motion Picture producer/director of the 1910s and 20s. Personal manager to Rudolph Valentino.

Kicking Bird (Black Eagle)
b. 1835 d. May 5, 1875
Indian warrior. Failed peace maker. His name was Tene-angop'te which means "The Kicking Bird". He was, also, known as Watohkonk - "Black Eagle". His grandfather was a Crow captive who had been incorporated in the Kiowa tribe. Kicking Bird's avocation was peace with the Whites since he saw the hopelessness warfare would bring. Kicking Bird signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867. His friendly ways, however, did bring about much hope: the government did not keep a promise to free Kiowa chief.

Sidney, George
b. October 4, 1916 d. May 5, 2002
Motion Picture Director. He was born in a show business family; his father was a Broadway producer and his mother an actress on stage. He was a child actor in vaudeville and started his film career in MGM in early 1930's as apprentice in several jobs. He made his debut in "Free and Easy" and became the musical's director. He was president of Directors Guild of America. He founded and financed Hanna-Barbera productions in 1944. Among his films are "Bathing Beauty" (1944), "Anchors Aweigh" (1945).

Hutchinson, Tom
b. June 15, 1941 d. May 5, 2007
Professional Football Player. He was a wide receiver for four seasons (1963 to 1966) in the National Football League, with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. He was a member of the 1964 NFL Champion Browns team. His best year was in 1963 when he had 9 receptions for 244 yards. During his college years, Hutchinson was a standout player for the University of Kentucky and was inducted into their Athletics Hall of Hame in 2005.

Robbins, Irv (Irvine)
b. December 6, 1917 d. May 5, 2008
Entrepreneur. With Burt Baskin he co-founded the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain in 1945. Famed for its "31 flavors" concept, Baskin-Robbins now has over 5500 outlets around the world.

Marsh, Oliver
b. January 30, 1893 d. May 5, 1941
Hollywood cinematographer of many films, both in the silent and sound eras. Brother of actresses Mae, Margeurite, and Mildred Marsh.

Harte, Francis Bret
b. August 25, 1837 d. May 5, 1902
Author. He is best remembered for his accounts of pioneering life in California. Born in Albany, New York, he moved to California at the age of 18. After many different jobs, he started writing poeetry and prose. Eventually he became editor of The Overland Monthly,a new literary magazine, in which he finally struck lucky with His story, "The Luck of Roaring Camp," making him famous nationwide. For a year, Harte served as professor at the University of California.

Adams, Louisa Catherine
b. February 12, 1775 d. May 5, 1852
Presidential First Lady. The wife of 6th United States President John Quincy Adams, she was born in London, England to an American father. She was education in a French convent school, met John Quincy Adams while he was a diplomat serving in England and were married three years later at a ceremony in London.

Died On This Date

2009-05-04T00:00:00.001-07:00

May 4
Howard (Horwitz), Moe (Moses Harry)
b. June 19, 1897 d. May 4, 1975
Actor. From a very early age he was interested in acting, a talent that was helped along by his voracious memory and capacity for memorizing just about anything, including all of the many books he read and all of the plays he saw when he was skipping school. His parents, however, were displeased by his constant truancy and his desire to have a career in show business, so he enrolled at the Baron DeHirsch Trade School in New York, where he took a class in electric shop. Cause of death: Lung cancer

McDowell, Irvin
b. October 15, 1818 d. May 4, 1885
Civil War Union Major General. Class of West Point 1838 (23 out of 45) Artillery Officer. Was Gen. Wools A.D.C. during Mexican war and was Brevet Captain for bravery. Later served on the Western Frontier until 1856 when he was sent to the Army HQ in Washington with rank of Major. Named Brig. Gen USA May 14th 1861 Give comand of the Union troops south of the Potomac. Was defeated at the battle of 1st Bull Run he was appointed Comander of McDowell's Division.

Hettinger, Karl
b. October 29, 1934 d. May 4, 1994
Former Los Angeles Policeman and Kidnap victim. Karl Hettinger was the survivor of the attack made famous in Joseph Wambaugh's book "The Onion Field." He was taken at gunpoint on the night of March 9, 1963 with his partner, Officer Ian Campbell, by Gregory Ulas Powell and Jimmy Lee Smith in Hollywood. In a 1985 interview, Hettinger told a Los Angeles Times writer, "I didn't want to give up my weapon, but my partner had a gun in his back."

Merritt, Jerry Lee
b. 1934 d. May 4, 2001
Rock Musician. A member and lead guitarist for the musical group, 'Gene Vincent's Legendary Blue Caps.' The band formed in Norfolk, Virginia, and recorded there first album in Nashville, Tennessee, in May 1956. The band also included, Gene Vincent, John Meeks, Tommy Facenda, Cliff Gallup, 'B-Bop' Harrell, 'Jumpin' Jack Neal, Paul Peek, Willie Williams, and Andrew 'Duck' McDonald. The band recorded on several record labels including Magnum Force and released several songs.

McGuffey, William Holmes
b. September 23, 1800 d. May 4, 1873
Author, Educator. With his Brother Alexander, he wrote the “McGuffey Readers”, while a professor at Miami (Ohio) University from 1823-1836. He served as President of Cincinnati College from 1836- 1839, and President of Ohio University from 1839 to 1843. From 1843 to 1845 he served as President of Woodward College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He became Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia in 1845 and served in that capacity until his death in 1873.

Kinser, Elbert Luther
b. October 21, 1922 d. May 4, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. On May 4, 1945, Okinawa, Sergeant Kinser, was acting leader of a rifle platoon, serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. While moving up a strategic ridge holding newly won positions, Sergeant Kinser engaged the enemy in a fierce hand grenade battle. Quick to act when a Japanese grenade landed in the immediate vicinity, Sergeant Kinser threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the full charge

Lyman, Joel H.
b. May 11, 1845 d. May 4, 1922
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Quartermaster Sergeant in Company B, 9th New York Cavalry for action on September 19, 1864 at Winchester, Virginia. His citation reads "In an attempt to capture a Confederate flag, he captured one of the enemy's officers and bought him within the lines."

Foy, Richard
b. 1905 d. May 4, 1947
Actor, Entertainer. Son of actor Eddie Foy Sr. and one of "The Seven Little Foys" vaudeville act.

Palmer, Potter
b. May 20, 1826 d. May 4, 1902
Architect. A prominent Chicago social leader, he was the primary developer of State Street, and built the Palmer House Hotel.

Ely, John
b. January 26, 1816 d. May 4, 1869
Civil War Union Brevet Major General. He served in the Civil War first as Colonel and commander of the 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 21st Veterans Reserve Corps. For a time near the end of the war he was the Assistant Provost Marshal for Trenton, New Jersey. On April 15, 1865 he was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers for "gallant services in the field", and Major General, US Volunteers for "faithful and gallant conduct throughout the war".

Earles, Harry 'Harry Doll'
b. April 3, 1902 d. May 4, 1985Actor. He was a member of the famous Doll Family of midgets. Kurt and his three sisters, Frieda, Hilda, and Elly all appeared in the classic 1939 motion picture, "Wizard of Oz." Harry appeared in the role of a Lollipop Guild member. Harry and Hilda also appeared in the cult-classic horror film "Freaks." After touring with the Ringling Brothers Circus, the Doll Family retired to Florida. Elly "Tiny Doll" Schneider, was the last surviving member of the Doll Family, when she died on September 6.

Douglas, Marjorie
b. April 7, 1890 d. May 4, 1998
Environmentalist. She was nicknamed the "Mother of the Everglades" for the extensive work she did during her lifetime to preserve the Everglades. She graduated from Wellesley College and was married briefly. She moved to Miami in 1915 and worked for her father at the Miami Herald where she became a society reporter and editorial columnist. Through her writing, she became a champion of various causes including equal rights and conservation.

Died On This Date

2009-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 3
Schirra Jr., Walter M. 'Wally'
b. March 12, 1923 d. May 3, 2007
One of the original Mercury 7 astronauts chosen for the Project Mercury, America's first effort to put men in space. He was the only man to fly in America's first three space programs: Mercury, Gemini and Apollo and has logged a total of 295 hours and 15 minutes in space. The family name Schirra is originally from the Valle Onsernone, in Canton Ticino, the Italian part of Switzerland.

Berry, Hiram Gregory
b. August 27, 1824 d. May 3, 1863
Civil War Union Major General. Killed in Action at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia. Entered war as Colonel of the 4th Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was with the regiment at the Battle of First Bull Run, Virginia. Promoted to Brigadier General, US Volunteers and commanded a brigade in the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsular Campaign and the Battle of Fredericksburg. Promoted to Major General, US Volunteers on November 29, 1862.

Nevers, Ernie
b. July 11, 1903 d. May 3, 1976
He played pro football, basketball and baseball. In a 1929 NFL game, he scored 40 points for the Chicago Cardinals.

Caniff, Milton
b. February 28, 1907 d. May 3, 1988
Cartoonist, he is best remembered as the creator and long-time producer of the comic strips "Steve Canyon" and "Terry and the Pirates." He was one of the first cartoonists to bring realism, suspense and sensuality into the comic strips, combining all with a grace and sensitivity that brought renewed public interest to the medium. Born Milton Arthur Paul Caniff in Hillsboro, Ohio, he was an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Donaldson, Francis Adams
b. June 7, 1840 d. May 3, 1928
Civil War Union Army Officer. Served as a Lieutenant in the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, then as a Captain in the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ("The Corn Exchange Regiment"). His correspondence during the war to his family were published as the book "Inside the Army of the Potomac: the Wartime Letters of Captain Francis
Adam Donaldson".

Weston, Jack
b. August 21, 1924 d. May 3, 1996
Popular American motion picture and television actor of the 1940s thru 1980s. Appeared in many top movies and classic TV series. Cause of death:
Lymphoma.

Montana (Blevins), Patsy (Rubye Rebecca)
b. October 30, 1908 d. May 3, 1996
First female country recording artist to sell a million records with "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart."

Barrett, Carlton William
b. November 24, 1919 d. May 3, 1986
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered the U.S. Army at Albany, New York and served as a Private in the 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. In the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, on the morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944, he and his unit, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire and was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades from drowning.

Murphy, George Lloyd
b. July 4, 1902 d. May 3, 1992
Actor and dancer in films from the 1930s to the 1950s. US Senator from California 1965 - 1971. Defeated in reelection bid (1970).

Key, Ted
b. August 25, 1912 d. May 3, 2008
Cartoonist, Writer. He is best known for creating the character "Hazel", which was regularly featured in the Saturday Evening Post and became a popular television series during the 1960s starring Shirley Booth. Born in Fresno, he attended the University of California at Berkeley and later began his career writing for such publications as "Cosmopolitan", "Ladies' Home Journal" and "Better Homes and Gardens" as well as working in radio.

Jorgensen, Christine (George William Jorgensen, Jr.)
b. May 30, 1926 d. May 3, 1989
Medical Pioneer, Social Reform Figure. She was a transsexual who made history as the first American man to be surgically changed to a woman. Born George William Jorgensen, Jr., he graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Bronx, New York in May 1945, and shortly afterwards, was drafted into the United States Army for two years service. After leaving the Army, he began researching information on sexual imbalances, and soon discovered that he could have a sex change operation in.

Andrews, Frank Maxwell
b. February 3, 1884 d. May 3, 1943
United States Army General. He was commander of all United States Forces in Europe during the initial US involvement in that theatre during World War II. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1906, he initially served in the cavalry in the Philippines. From 1907 to 1917 he served at various forts, mostly in the northwest, until transferring to the Signal Corp.

Died On This Date

2009-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 2
da Vinci, Leonardo
b. April 5, 1452 d. May 2, 1519
Artist, one of the great masters of the High Renaissance, who was also celebrated as a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, and scientist. He was born on April 15, 1452, in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, near Florence. He was the son of a Florentine notary and a peasant woman. In the mid-1460s the family settled in Florence, where Leonardo was given the best education in Florence. He rapidly advanced socially and intellectually. He was handsome and a fine musician and improviser.

Reed, Oliver
b. February 13, 1938 d. May 2, 1999
Actor. Most remembered for his role as the brutal Bill Sykes in the award winning 1968 musical "Oliver!", Reed mostly played heavy roles that were suitable to his rough good looks. His off-screen personna was equal to that of his on-screen performances and was a notrorious drinker, carouser, womanizer and brawler. He was also known to have public disputes with the likes of Bette Davis, Jack Nicholson, Richard Harris, and Shelley Winters. Reed had a very humorous view of life and death. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Gallo, Julio
b. March 21, 1910 d. May 2, 1993
Wine Maker. Head of Ernest and Julio Wine. Younger Brother of Ernest Gallo.

Hoover, J. Edgar (John)
b. January 1, 1895 d. May 2, 1972
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief, Author. J. Edgar Hoover was the FBI director for over forty eight years until his death by a heart attack at age 77, after being appointed by President Calvin Coolege. He was born on New Year's Day in Washington, D.C. three blocks behind the Capitol in the Seward Square neighborhood. John was the youngest of three children born to Dickerson Naylor and Annie Marie Scheitlin Hoover.

Clampett, Bob
b. May 8, 1913 d. May 2, 1984
Renowned American animator of the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Well-known for his innovative and influencial drawing style and animation directing. Worked for Warner Bros. for many years until producing the popular "Beany and Cecil" series of cartoons for television.

Marlowe, Hugh
b. January 30, 1911 d. May 2, 1982
Actor. Appeared on stage, in motion pictures, and on television from the 1930s to the 1960s. He appeared in the 1950 drama classic "All About Eve," as well as several classic TV series such as "Rawhide," "The Twilight Zone," and "Perry Mason." Cause of death: Heart attack.

Parsons, Edwin Charles 'Ted'
b. September 24, 1892 d. May 2, 1968
United States Naval Officer, World War I Flying Ace. A native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Parsons was an experienced pilot when the war began., He went to France at the end of 1915 and served with the United States Ambulance service before enlisting in the French Foreign Legion. In 1916, he became a pilot in the French Air Service and was assigned to N124 in January 1917. He earned eight air combat victories during the conflict.

Clinton, Larry
b. August 17, 1909 d. May 2, 1985
Jazz Musician. He started out as an arranger and worked for the Dorsey Brothers and others before forming his own orchestra in 1937. With himself on trumpet, clarinet and trombone, along with the excellent vocalist Bea Wain, he had a string of hits. The band broke up in 1941 when he entered the Army and though they reformed after the war, they never achieved their previous success. In the 1950s Clinton opted for a career as a music publishing and record executive.

Pal, George
b. February 1, 1908 d. May 2, 1980
Motion Picture Director. Considered a legend in the motion picture industry as a producer, director, and special-effects pioneer, he produced the 1953 science fiction classic "The War of the Worlds." In 1960, he directed the sci-fi classic "The Time Machine," and later the innovative fantasy "Seven Faces of Dr. Lao" (1964). Cause of death: Heart attack.

Bennett, Edward Andrew
b. February 11, 1920 d. May 2, 1983
Medal of Honor recipient. His citation reads: He was advancing with Company B across open ground to assault Heckhuscheid, Germany, just after dark when vicious enemy machinegun fire from a house on the outskirts of the town pinned down the group and caused several casualties. He began crawling to the edge of the field in an effort to flank the house, persisting in this maneuver even when the hostile machine gunners located him by the light of burning buildings and attempted to cut him down.

Collins, Sidney
b. July 17, 1922 d. May 2, 1977
Sports Announcer. Charismatic radio personality who is best remembered as the "Voice of the 500." He began serving as chief announcer for the broadcasts of the Indianapolis 500 in 1952, the year in which full lap-by-lap live coverage of the classic began. He was the man who coined the phase "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" and became synonymous with the race itself. It was his responsibility to tell international radio audiences of the crashes, deaths and disasters of his many racing fans.

Martin, Joseph Plumb
b. November 21, 1760 d. May 2, 1850
Revolutionary War Continental Army Soldier, Author. Born in Becket Massachusetts, at age seven he was left in the care of his maternal grandparents in Connecticut. In June of 1776, he signed a short–term enlistment of six months. He returned to his grandparents’ farm that December when his enlistment was up. After a winter at home he re-enlisted in April 1777. He served as a private in the 8th Connecticut Regiment, an element of General James Varnum's Brigade.

Loving, Mildred
b. July 22, 1939 d. May 2, 2008
Civil Rights figure. On June 2, 1958, Mildred Jeter, a black woman married Richard Loving, a white man. Their wedding took place in Washington, DC because their home state, Virginia, had a law prohibiting inter-racial marriages. They returned to Caroline County, VA and were arrested. In 1959 they pled guilty and were given a one year suspended sentence under the condition that they leave Virginia and not return for 25 years.

Hutton, June
b. August 11, 1920 d. May 2, 1973
Actress, Singer. She sang with the Charlie Spivak Band in the 1940s, and later became a member of The Pied Pipers. She was married to composer Axel Stordahl. She is buried with him in the same plot, although only his name is on the marker.

Foster, William A.
b. February 17, 1915 d. May 2, 1945
Was a private in the U.S. Marine Corps during WORLD WAR II who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on the Island of Okinawa. As the sole support of his family during the war, he was exempt from service but chose to enlist in the Marine Corps, in 1944. On May 1 1945, while on active combat duty with Co. K, 3d Battalion, 1st U.S. Marine Div., on Okinawa, Foster dove onto a live Japanese hand grenade that landed in a foxhole he shared with another Marine, and it exploded.

McKinsey, Beverlee
b. August 9, 1940 d. May 2, 2008
Actress. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, she is best known for her roles in many popular daytime soap operas, among them as Alexandra Spaulding in "The Guiding Light". She began her career during the 1960s and appeared in such programs as, "The Defenders", "The Virginian", "Hawaii-Five-O" and "The Mod Squad". In addition to "The Guiding Light", she had recurring roles in the series "Love is a Many Splendored Thing", "Another World" and "Texas".

Rukeyser, Louis
b. January 30, 1933 d. May 2, 2006
Business columnist, economic commentator, and newscaster. He published two financial newsletters, "Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street" and "Louis Rukeyser's Mutual Funds." He was the son of financial journalist Merryle Rukeyser. Rukeyser had a significant impact in making the often arcane workings of the stock market and the economy better known to the mass public. Rukeyser was well known for his usage of wit and humor and a love of puns.

Died On This Date

2009-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 1
Jones, Spike (Lindley Armstrong) b. December 14, 1911 d. May 1, 1965Bandleader. He went from playing serious music both with and for other artists to starting his own band that featured: whistles, auto horns, and other noisemaking equipment. The group was called "Spike Jones and His City Slickers." The group recorded "Der Fuehrer's Face" during World War II and went on to do take-offs on established songs such as "Cocktails for Two." They also did the holiday song, "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Cause of death: Emphysema.

Rounds, Lewis A.
b. June 7, 1843 d. May 1, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Brevet Major in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Private in Company D, 8th Ohio Infantry for action on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania, Virginia. His citation reads "Capture of flag."

Knowles, Warren Perley
b. August 19, 1908 d. May 1, 1993
Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Member of Wisconsin State Senate, 1941-1954, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, 1954-1958, 1960-1962, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Wisconsin, 1964, Governor of Wisconsin, 1965-1971.

Tyler (Markowski), Tom (Vincent)
b. August 9, 1903 d. May 1, 1954
Western actor. He starred in more than 90 B-grade western films from the 1920's to the 1940's. Movies and TV Series: Captain Marvel in the movie series, "Adventures of Captain Marvel." Crossroad Avenger: 'The Adventures of the Tucson Kid' 1953, 'The Yellow Haired Kid' 1952, 'She Wore A Yellow Ribbon' 1949, The Dalton Gang' 1949, 'I Shot Jesse James' 1949, 'The Golden Eye' 1948, 'Cheyenne' 1947, 'Never Say Goodbye' 1948, 'The Phantom' 1943, 'Riders of the Rio Grande' 1943, ' Outlaws of Cherokee. Cause of death: Heart attack

Pell Jr., Philip
b. July 7, 1753 d. May 1, 1811
Continental Congressman. Served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was a Member of the New York State Assembly from Westchester County, from 1779 to 1781, and 1783 to 1784. Also served as a Delegate to the Continental Congress from New York from 1788 to 1789.

Corbitt, Claude
b. July 21, 1915 d. May 1, 1978
Major League Baseball Player. The infielder had two hits in four at-bats for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945 but was sold to Cincinnati on March 18, 1946. He saw limited with the Reds the next three seasons. The most he played was 87 games in 1948, when he hit .256. The right-handed hitter had a career batting average of .243 with one homer.

Hager, Jim
b. August 30, 1941 d. May 1, 2008
Entertainer. He and his twin brother Jon were regulars on the TV series "Hee-Haw" from 1969 until 1986. They were known for their rapid delivery of cornball one-liners. Born and raised in the Chicago area, the Hagers formed a musical-comedy duo and appeared on a Chicago TV program for teens while they were still in high school. After Buck Owens saw one of their shows, he hired them as his opening act and later brought them into "Hee-Haw".

Gobin, John Peter Shindel
b. January 26, 1837 d. May 1, 1910
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He entered his Civil War service as a 1st Lieutenant in Company F, 11th Pennsylvania (Three-Months) Volunteer Infantry. Promoted to Captain of Company C, 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, he participated in the capture of Jacksonville, Florida and capture of the Confederate War Steamer "Governor Milton" (the only steamer captured by infantry during the war). He fought with his unit at the Battle of Pocataligo, South Carolina, in the Red River.

Devereux, Henry K.
b. October 10, 1859 d. May 1, 1932
He was the drummer boy model in Archibald Willard's painting SPIRIT OF `76.He made his greatest contributions to harness racing. He invested in horses, winning over 3,000 cups and ribbons and accumulated 14 records. In 1895 he organized the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Cleveland, which competed with other clubs, professionalizing the sport and focusing attention on Cleveland.

Newton, John
b. August 25, 1822 d. May 1, 1895
Civil War Union Major General. West Point Class of 1842. I Corps Commander

Coulter, Ernest Kent
b. November 14, 1871 d. May 1, 1952
Social Reformer. The founder of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America in 1904, he was also a celebrated Welfare Activist, Journalist, Lecturer and Author as well as a major advocate of Children's rights founding the Children's Court of New York.

Watson, Douglass
b. February 24, 1921 d. May 1, 1989
Actor. Born Larkin Douglass Watson III in Jackson, Georgia, in 1921, he served in the United States Army during World War II before turning to acting. During the war he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross and 2 Purple Hearts. Best remembered for his roles on the television soap operas, "Another World" (1974-1989), as Mackenzie 'Mac' Cory', "Love Of Life" (1972-1973), as Dr. Lloyd Phillips, "Search For Tomorrow" (1967-1968), as Walter Haskins, and "Moment Of Truth" (1965).

Died On This Date

2009-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 30
Moorehead, Agnes
b. December 6, 1900 d. April 30, 1974Actress. She was born Agnes Robertson Moorehead in Clinton, Massachusetts, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. She was a graduate of Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio then went on to earn a master's degree in English and public speaking at the university of Wisconsin. She continued her studies in New York at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began appearing on Broadway and radio. With Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles, she was founder and charter member of the famed Mercury. Cause of death: Uterine cancer

Jones, John Luther 'Casey'
b. March 14, 1864 d. April 30, 1900
American Folk Figure. He was killed in train wreck (Illinois Central Train #1, The Cannonball Express) at Vaughan, Mississippi, April 30,1900 at 3:52 a.m. The only one killed, he stayed with the train to slow it down as much as possible and thus it is believed that passengers were saved from injury and possible death. He is memorialized to this day in the famous ballad of "Casey Jones" by his friend Wallace Saunders.

Rafferty, Peter E
b. June 12, 1845 d. April 30, 1910
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient.

Leone, Sergio
b. January 3, 1929 d. April 30, 1989
Noted Italian Motion Picture Director. He is best known for his 'Spaghetti Westerns' such as "Per un pugno di dollari" (1964), "Per Qualque Dollaro in più" (1965) and "Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cativo" (1966) (released in USA as "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly"). He also directed the acclaimed film "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984).

Poston, Tom
b. October 17, 1921 d. April 30, 2007
Actor. He was best known as a comic actor in the Golden Age of television. In 1959 he won an Emmy for his role as the befuddled Everyman on "The Steve Allen Show", and he received Emmy nominations for his performances in "Newhart", "Mork and Mindy", and "Coach". His other TV credits include "Murphy Brown", "That 70's Show", "Will & Grace", "Becker", "Good Morning Miami", and as a longstanding panelist on "To Tell the Truth". Poston began his acting career in 1947 on Broadway.

Coleman, Bessie 'Brave Bessie'
b. January 26, 1892 d. April 30, 1926
Generally recognized as the first African American aviator. She became interested in aviation from reading aviation magazines. Due to her race and gender, she could not gain entrance into any aviation schools in the United States. Learning from French (this group may have included Eugene "Jacque" Bullard, an African American who had been a military aviator with the French in World War I) and German instructor pilots, she earned her pilot's license in France in 1921.

Waters (Morganfield), Muddy (McKinley)
b. April 4, 1915 d. April 30, 1983
Blues Musician. Born McKinley Morganfield, Muddy Waters received his more famous sobriquet as a child. His grandmother, who raised Waters following the death of his mother in 1918, called him "Muddy" after his habit of playing in a shallow creek nearby their home. He took up harmonica and guitar in his teens, absorbing the influences of local legends Son House and Robert Johnson. In 1941 and 1942, Waters recorded several acoustic country blues pieces for a team of Library of Congress folksong.

McIntosh, William
b. 1775 d. April 30, 1825
Creek Leader. Born near Tuetumplai in present day Alabama, the son of Captain William McIntosh, and Senoia Henneha of the Wind Clan of the Lower Creeks. McIntosh became a Micco or chief spokesman of the Lower Creek. He fought with American forces under the command of Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. During the Red Stick War of 1813 - 1814, he helped defeat the nationalistic Upper Creeks. McIntosh also fought for the United States in the First Seminole War.

Morrison, Francis
b. January 15, 1845 d. April 30, 1913
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company H, 85th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for action on June 17, 1864 at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia. His citation reads "Voluntarily exposed himself to a heavy fire to bring off a wounded comrade."

Waller, Francis A.
b. August 15, 1840 d. April 30, 1911
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted on June 16, 1861 and served as a Corporal in Company I, 6th Wisconsin Infantry. On July 1, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, he captured the flag of the Confederate 2nd Mississippi Infantry during the assault at the railroad cut on McPherson's Ridge. His citation was issued on December 1, 1864 and he mustered out of the Union Army as a 1st Lieutenant on July 14, 1865.

Taylor, Zola
b. March 17, 1938 d. April 30, 2007Musician. A native of Los Angeles, Taylor was an original member of the famed rhythm and blues group, the Platters. A talented and very attractive contralto singer, Taylor began her singing career with the RPM Records Label. In 1954 she recorded the single "Make Love To Me" for that label, and went onto work with the likes of Shirley Gunter and the Queens before joining the Platters.

Darby, William Orlando
b. February 9, 1911 d. April 30, 1945
United States Army Officer. Renown for commanding “Darby's Rangers” in World War II. Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1933. By October 1940 he had achieved the rank of Captain. Early in World War II he had served in staff positions but in early 1942 he was assigned to form a unit that bore the title "Rangers" based on the British model. He led “Darby's Rangers” with the rank of Colonel in North Africa, Sicily and Anzio as well as other actions.

Rasmussen, Philip M.
b. May 11, 1918 d. April 30, 2005
World War II Military Figure. On December 7, 1941, he was a US Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant, assigned to the 46th Pursuit Squadron at Wheeler Airfield, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Still in pajamas, he managed to take off in a P-36 Hawk with three other pilots and was directed to engage Japanese fighters toward Kaneohe Bay. Of the four US Airman that were able to get airborne in the attack, he was the only one to shoot down a Japanese Zero in the first battle of WW II.

Scott, Hugh Lenox
b. September 22, 1853 d. April 30, 1934
United States Army General. An 1876 graduate of the United States Military Academy, he served as Superintendant of West Point from 1906 to 1910, and as Army Chief of Staff from 1914 to 1917. Promoted to Major General in 1915, after he was retired from active duty he served as Chairman of the New Jersey State Highway Commission from 1923 to 1933. An expert on American Indian languages and sign language, he authored the work "Some Memories of a Soldier".

Died On This Date

2009-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 29
Minue, Pvt. Nicholas
d. April 29, 1943
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Sedden in Poland, he emigrated to Carteret, New Jersey. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Private in Company A, 6th Armored Infantry, 1st Armored Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery ear MedjezelBab, Tunisia, on April 28. 1943. His citation reads “For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the loss of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action.

Butler, Floyd Lawrence
b. June 5, 1937 d. April 29, 1990
R&B Musician. A native of San Diego, California, he was a member of the musical group, 'The Vocals' from 1963 until they disbanded in 1965. The group formed in Los Angeles, California, and included Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Harry Elston, and of course Butler. The group started off as the 'Hi-Fi's,' in the Ray Charles Tour in 1963. Thanks to Charles they got lucky and signed with the Tangerine Record Label, releasing there first single, 'Lonesome Mood,' a year later.

Royko, Michael
b. September 19, 1932 d. April 29, 1997
Journalist. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist known for his sarcastic wit and colorful stories of life in Chicago, Illinois. The son of a Chicago cab driver, he made a name for himself working first for the Chicago "Daily News", then the Chicago "Sun-Times", then finally the Chicago "Tribune". He quit the "Sun-Times" a day after Australian press baron Rupert Murdoch bought the newspaper in 1984, giving his reason for quitting that he believed Murdoch would rather have sensational.

Galbraith, John Kenneth
b. October 15, 1908 d. April 29, 2006
Econimist. Harvard professor who won worldwide renown as a liberal economist. During a long career, the Canadian-born economist served as adviser to Democratic presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton, and was John F. Kennedy's ambassador to India. Galbraith, who was outspoken in his support of government action to solve social problems, became a large figure on the American scene in the decades after World War II. He was one of America's best-known liberals, and he never shied.

Gannett, Deborah Sampson
b. December 17, 1760 d. April 29, 1827
Revolutionary soldier and folk hero. First known American woman to disguise herself as a man to join the Army. In May 1778, she enlisted in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army. None of her fellow soldiers suspected she was a woman, despite teasing her that she never had to shave. She fought in several battles, and was wounded twice. On both occasions, she refused medical attention, for fear her identity would be discovered.

Bride, Harold Sidney
b. January 11, 1890 d. April 29, 1956
Titantic Figure. He was one of the operators of the Marconi wireless radio on the "RMS Titanic". He was born in South London, son of Arthur John and Mary Ann (Lowe) Bride. He completed his formal training in 1911 and served on board the vessels Lusitania, La France and Anselm before joining the crew of the Titanic. He was on duty along with wireless operator John Phillips the night of April 14-15, 1912.

Shipley, Robert F.
b. May 8, 1838 d. April 29, 1903
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a First Sergeant in the Union Army in Company A, 140th New York Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on April 1, 1865 at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads "Captured the flag of the 9th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) in hand-to-hand combat."

Howard, Cy
b. September 27, 1915 d. April 29, 1993
Motion Picture Producer, Director. He worked on the films, "Won Ton Ton, The Dog Who Saved Hollywood" (1976), "It Couldn't Happen To A Nicer Guy" (1974), "Every Little Crook And Nanny" (1972), "Lovers And Other Strangers" (1970), "Marriage On The Rocks" (1965), "That's My Boy" (1951), "My Friend Irma Goes West" (1950), and "My Friend Irma" (1949).

Sidney (Greenfield), George (Sammy)
b. March 18, 1877 d. April 29, 1945
Actor. He appeared primarily in motion pictures of the 1920s and 1930s. His credits include roles in films such as "The Cohens & the Kellys" (serial, 1926-1933), "The Life of Riley" (1927), "We Americans" (1928), "The King of Jazz" (1930), "The Heart of New York" (1932), "Manhattan Melodrama" (1934), and "Diamond Jim" (1935). He was the uncle of film director George Sydney and the brother of producer Louis K. Sidney.

Died On This Date

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 28
Hitchcock, Alfred
b. August 13, 1899 d. April 28, 1980
Legendary British-born motion picture director of the 1920s thru 1970s. A major Hollywood icon..."The Master of Suspense." He was married to screenwriter Alma Reville for over 50 years. Father of actress Patricia Hitchcock.

Curtis (Gates), Ken (Curtis Wain)
b. July 2, 1916 d. April 28, 1991
Actor. Best known for his long-running role as Festus, the cantankerous deputy in the long-running TV series "Gunsmoke". Born Curtis Wane Gates in Lamar, Colorado to Dan Gates and Millie Sneed Gates. His father was Sheriff of Las Animas, Colorado. He worked at the town jail and played the saxophone in high school. He served in the Army during World War II. He attended Colorado College for a time wanting to study medicine but was so successful as a singer-songwriter that he left college.

Greer, Dabbs
b. April 2, 1917 d. April 28, 2007
Actor. A native of Fairview, Missouri, Greer is best remembered for his role as the Reverend Robert Alden on the television series "Little House On The Prairie", from 1974 to 1983. He also played the role of the first person saved by Superman in the very first episode of the "Adventures of Superman" TV series in 1952, and that of the older Tom Hanks character in feature "The Green Mile." Greer's acting career spanned some 57 years. He passed away shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Mussolini, Benito
b. July 29, 1883 d. April 28, 1945
Italian Dictator. Known as "Il Duce" (The Leader), he founded Fascism and ruled Italy for 21 years. As a dictator, he reduced unemployment and improved the railroad services, making the trains run on time. In the late 1930s, he teamed with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan to form the Axis powers. Born in Dovia, Italy, he graduated from Teacher training school in Forli and taught elementary school for a short time. In 1904 he performed his required military service, returning to his profession. Cause of death: Gunshot wound to the chest.

Calhoun (Durgin), Rory (Francis)
b. August 8, 1922 d. April 28, 1999
Actor. He was discovered while horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills in 1943. Alan Ladd convinced him to go for a screen test. With the encouragement of an agent he changed his name to match his rugged appearance. He appeared in many spagetti Westerns but is best known for his starring role in the television Western "The Texan" where he played Big Bill Longley. In his later years he starred in several B-Westerns and found success as a screenwriter, producer, director, and rancher. Cause of death: Emphysema and diabetes.

Newsom, Tommy
b. February 25, 1929 d. April 28, 2007
Jazz Musician. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was a tenor-saxophonist who is best known as a member of the "Tonight Show Band" during Johnny Carson's years as host. He joined them in 1963 and remained with them until Carson's retirement in 1992. Newsom's quiet nature often made him the center of Carson's one-liners during his monologues. Prior to playing on the "Tonight Show", Newsom worked with such music greats as Vincent Lopez and Benny Goodman. Cause of death: Cancer.

Thesz, Lou
b. April 24, 1916 d. April 28, 2002
Six times World Heavyweight Professional Wrestling Champion.Regarded by many as the greatest wrestler of all time. He wrestled in four decades.

Begley, Ed
b. March 25, 1901 d. April 28, 1970
Actor. An imposing character player, he was often cast as a corrupt or misguided authority figure. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Boss Finley in the film "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962). Edward James Begley was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Irish immigrants. He ran away from home at age 11, and after a series of odd jobs he served in the U. S. Navy for four years. Making his show business debut in 1931 as a radio actor and announcer, he first appeared on Broadway.

Rogers, Jim
b. July 25, 1915 d. April 28, 2000
Actor, Son of cowboy entertainer Will Rogers. He was the third son and was born while his father was performing on the Broadway stage. When Will Rogers became a movie star, the family moved to California. He played a child's role in three of his father's films and went on to perform in six western movies, including three of the "Hopalong Cassidy" westerns. He was active for many years as a family representative to the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma and for the Will Rogers.

Askew, Frank
b. January 9, 1837 d. April 28, 1902
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Graduated from Michigan University, studied law, but did not seek admission to the bar. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 he was commissioned first as a Lieutenant in the 17th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on July 14, 1865 for "meritorious service".

Rockefeller, Charles Mortimer
b. September 18, 1844 d. April 28, 1899Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Gallatin, Columbia County, New York. He was declared dead near Manila, P.I., as "missing in action". He entered the Union Army in New York, New York. His highest rank was Major. He was awarded the CMOH as a Lieutenant in Company A, 178th New York Infantry for action on April 9, 1865 at Fort Blakely, Alabama. His citation reads "Voluntarily and alone, under a heavy fire, obtained valuable information which a reconnoitering party.

Edwards, Oliver
b. January 30, 1835 d. April 28, 1904
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he moved to Warsaw, Illinois, once he turned 21. Here, he entered the foundry business until the Civil War began. He immediately moved back to his home state where he enlisted. He mustered in on June 21, 1861, as 1st Lieutenant and adjutant of the 10th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Subsequently appointed an aide on the staff of Major General Darius N. Couch, he served capably during the Peninsula Campaign in spring 1862.

Phillip, Andy
b. March 7, 1922 d. April 28, 2001
He was an All-American player at the University of Illinois in both his sophomore and junior year. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and then returned to Illinois to complete his senior year. He started his NBA career in 1947 and was on 5 all-star teams. He led the NBA in assists from 1950-1952. It was during 1952 that he became the first NBA player to reach 500 assists in a single season. In 1956 he joined the Boston Celtics and one year later helped them to their first of 16.

Died On This Date

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 27

McLaughlin III., John C.
b. June 21, 1903 d. April 27, 1967
Major General 35 Inf. Division, MO Army. World War II Bronze Star Medal (BSM). BSM is the 10th highest military award.

Magellan, Ferdinand
b. 1480 d. April 27, 1521
Explorer. Famed Navigator who born in Sabrosa or Porto, Portugal. After serving in the East Indies and Morocco, he offered his services to Spain. He sailed from Seville (1519) around the foot of South America (Cape of the Virgins) to reach the ocean which he named the Pacific (1520). He was killed in the Philippines, but his ships continued back to Spain (1522), thus completing the first circumnavigation of the world. The Strait of Magellan is named after him.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo
b. May 25, 1803 d. April 27, 1882
Author, Poet. His family was a repository where the Unitarians obtained their ministers. Most of his forefathers and even his own father and finally he became a Clergyman. However, the death of his first wife soon after their marriage soured his faith and he resigned emerging as the leader of the Transcendental movement. (stressed a life style of a personal nature over rational or dogmatic-It favored trusting one's instincts over the guidance of authority}

Murrow, Edward R
b. April 25, 1908 d. April 27, 1965
Journalist, Radio Broadcaster. He is best remembered for his calm and mesmerizing radio reports of the German Blitz on London, England, in 1940 and 1941. His trademark phrase, "This is London," often punctuated with the sounds of bombs and air-raid sirens, became famous overnight. Born Egbert Roscoe Murrow on the family farm near Greensboro, North Carolina, the son of Roscoe and Ethyl Murrow, he was raised as a Quaker, with a prohibition on smoking, drinking, and gambling.

Forester, Bill
b. August 9, 1932 d. April 27, 2007
Professional Football Player. Born George William Forester. He was a linebacker for eleven seasons (1953 to 1963) in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. Forester was a member of two NFL Championship teams (1961 and 1962 Packers), and was part of a defense that included hall of fame players Ray Nitschke and Herb Adderley. He was named to the All-Pro Team five times (1959 to 1963) and played in four Pro Bowl Games (1959 to 1962).

Hirt, Al
b. November 7, 1922 d. April 27, 1999
Considered a trumpet playing legend by musicians around the world. The son of a police officer and a Louisiana girl from the country, his father gave him a trumpet when he was 6 years old. He received his doctorate in Performing Arts from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He not only performed with symphony orchestras, but played any and all kinds of music the world over. Besides the jazz venues, he also appeared in movies and on television.

Peterson, Kent
b. December 21, 1925 d. April 27, 1995
Major League Baseball Player. The left-handed pitcher broke in with Cincinnati in 1944, then spent two years in the military before rejoining the Reds. He was traded along with outfielder Johnny Wyrostek to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Bubba Church on May 23, 1952. He pitched in a total of 18 games for the Phillies in 1952 to 1953 with an 0-1 record. He finished his career with a 13-38 record and 4.95 earned run average.

Kephart, James
b. April 22, 1842 d. April 27, 1932
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. At the start of the Civil War, he enlisted in the US Army and served as a Private in Company C, 13th US Infantry. During the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 19, 1863, Private Kephart noticed a severely wounded Union Army officer lying exposed upon the field of battle. Despite the enemy severe hail of fire, he voluntarily risked his life to go to the aid of the wounded officer and assist him to a rear area of safety.

De Lacy, Patrick
b. November 25, 1835 d. April 27, 1915
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Civil War as a First Sergeant in Company A, 143rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia on May 6, 1864. His citation reads “Running ahead of the line, under a concentrated fire, he shot the color bearer of a Confederate regiment on the works, thus contributing to the success of the attack”.

Pike, Zebulon Montgomery
b. January 5, 1779 d. April 27, 1813
Explorer, War of 1812 United States Army General. He is most remembered for his discovery of Pike's Peak in 1806. While Lewis and Clark explored the Northwest United States, he explored the upper Mississippi River. He would later explore what is now the Southwest portion of the Nation. Born in Lamberton, New Jersey, the second of eight children and the only one to grow to adulthood. At the time of his birth, his father, also named Zebulon Pike, was an officer for George Washington.

Handler, Ruth
b. November 4, 1916 d. April 27, 2002
Co-Founder of Mattel Inc, Inventor of the Barbie Doll and the company 'The Nearly Me Prosthetic Breast'. Barbie, a teenage doll with a tiny waist, slender hips and impressive bust, became not only a best selling toy, with more than 1 billion sold in 150 countries. In 1942 they teamed up with another industrial designer Harold "Matt" Mattson, to launch a business manufacturing picture frames. they later launched a sideline making dollhouse furniture.

Daly, Daniel
b. November 11, 1873 d. April 27, 1937
Boxer Rebellion, Haitian Campaign Double Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Twice awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, he received his first Medal of Honor during the Boxer Uprising for his actions in the battle of Peking, China on Aug. 14,1900. His second award came on Oct. 24,1915, for an attack on an enemy stronghold in Haiti. He also received the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in World War I.

Lawrence, Brooks
b. January 30, 1925 d. April 27, 2000
Major League Baseball Player. Known as "The Bull", the right-hander broke into the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954 with a 15-6 record. He was traded to Cincinnati on Jan. 31, 1956 for pitcher Jackie Collum and infielder Sonny Senerchia. In 1956 he won his first 13 decisions on the way to a 19-10 record. His amazing streak ended on July 31 when he had a 3-1 lead with one out in the ninth inning, only to see Roberto Clemente hit a three-run homer to give Pittsburgh a 4-3 victory.

Died On This Date

2009-04-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

April 26
Ball, Lucille Desiree
b. August 6, 1911 d. April 26, 1989
Legendary comedic actress, best known for the title role in the hit television sitcom of the 1950’s “I Love Lucy.” She was born Lucille Desiree Ball was on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. Intent on becoming an actress, she left high school at age 15, and tried unsuccessfully to get into drama school in New York City. Undaunted, Ball took a job as a waitress while trying for jobs in modeling and in chorus lines of Broadway shows. Cause of death: Ruptured aorta after heart surgery.

Ryan, Irene
b. October 17, 1902 d. April 26, 1973

American vaudeville, stage, motion picture, and television actress of the 1920s thru 1960s. Gained international fame while playing the role of 'Granny' on the 1960s TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies." Cause of death: Stroke.

Basie, William James 'Count'
b. August 21, 1904 d. April 26, 1984
Jazz Musician. He was one of the greatest bandleaders of all-time, epitomizing the jazz of south-western America. He rose to fame after taking over Bennie Moten's band in 1935. His second great band, from the 1950s onwards, relied more on arrangments, typically from Neil Hefti and Ernie Wilkin's. As a pianist Basie was equally great and was intensely rhythmic, using as few notes as possible. He earned the nickname, "Count," because of his stylish way of playing the piano.

Booth, John Wilkes
b. May 10, 1838 d. April 26, 1865
The assassin of President Lincoln. He was born on the small farm of his parents, both British immigrants, in Harford County, Maryland, the ninth of ten children. Wilkes Booth became an highly acclaimed actor prior to his act that would change history. After being shot through the neck by Sergeant Boston Corbett, He was taken to the porch of Richard Garrett's house near Port Royal, Virginia where he died.

Lee (Hovick), Gypsy Rose (Rose Louise)
b. February 9, 1914 d. April 26, 1970
Actress and Burlesque Stripper. Performed in 12 movies, and had her own television show "The Gypsy Rose Lee Show" in 1958. She wrote 3 books, including her autobiography, "Gypsy" which became a best seller. She brought respectability to the stripping art form. Born Rose Louise Hovick in Seattle, Washington, her father was a mild-mannered businessman. Her mother, Rose, was determined to leave Seattle.

Carle, James John
b. September 8, 1835 d. April 26, 1892
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Enlisted as a private, and rose through the ranks to Brevet Brigadier General in 38 months. Served as a Captain in the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves, as Provost Marshal on the staff of Brigadier General Samuel Crawford, and as Colonel and commander of the 191st Pennsylvani Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at Antietam, and Petersburg, and spent seven months as a POW at Libby Prison in Richmond, Belle Isle, Salisbury, and Danville.

Crawford, Broderick
b. December 9, 1911 d. April 26, 1986
Academy Award-winning Actor. He was a classic example of “overnight success” in Hollywood. The 1949 release of “All the King’s Men,” turned him into one of the most popular character leads in Hollywood after winning the Best Actor Oscar and lead to his starring role in another hit film, “Born Yesterday” (1950). However, it was 10 years working in routine supporting roles in more than 20 films that lead to his Oscar triumph. He was born into a performing family – his mother, Helen Broderick..

Oldfield, Arthur Barney

b. December 18, 1909 d. April 26, 2003

United States Army Officer, Hollywood Motion Picture Figure. He served as an aide to General Dwight Eisenhower during World War II. Following the war he went on to become a press agent for Hollywood stars like Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor and Ronald Reagan. He was also a very successful publicist for Warner Bros. and defense contractor Litton Industries. It is estimated that he gave more than $3 million to scholarships and programs through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Wall, O.S.B.
b. August 12, 1825 d. April 26, 1891
Union Army officer. Born Orindatus Simon Bolivar Wall in Richmond County, North Carolina, the son of planter, Stephen Wall, and his slave, Pricilla. He and four of his siblings were manumitted in 1837 when their father sent them to the Harveysburg Black School in present day Ohio. He attended Oberlin College before establishing a boot and shoemaking business. In 1854 he married Amanda Thomas, the couple had eight children. He read law under John M. Langston.

Valenti, Jack Joseph
b. September 5, 1921 d. April 26, 2007
Motion Picture Executive. Born in Houston, Texas, he served in World War II as a bomber pilot, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. He founded a political consulting firm, then became an advisor to President Lyndon Johnson and was the long-time president of the Motion Picture Association of America. Effectively he was the Washington lobbyist for the Hollywood movie studios and independent movie producers from 1966 to 2004.

Gordon, Dexter Keith
b. February 27, 1923 d. April 26, 1990
Tenor jazz saxophone player who is considered the first "real" be bop tenor saxophonist. Dexter Gordon had a long and intresting life in which he disappeared from the jazz scene on many occassions with his life at times in some disarray due to two broken marriages, drinking and also a drug problem. He eventually finished out his career on top of his game. Gordon was born and raised in Watts, CA. He began his musical career studying clarinet; by his mid-teens he had switched to tenor.

Spencer, Tim
b. July 13, 1908 d. April 26, 1974
American singer and actor. He was a member of the "Sons of the Pioneers" singing group. They appeared in many motion pictures in the 1930s and 40s.

Died On This Date

2009-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 25

Rogers, Ginger
b. July 16, 1911 d. April 25, 1995
Actress, Singer, and Dancer. She was given the name "Ginger" by her cousin, who could not pronounce "Virginia" correctly. She neither smoked nor drank, preferring ice cream sodas. Born Virginia Katherine McMath in Independence, Missouri, her family moved to Texas when she was a toddler. Her parents divorced, and her father died when she was 11. She then moved with her mother to her grandparents' home in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was raised.

Serrell, Edward Wellman
b. November 5, 1826 d. April 25, 1906
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. In 1845 he became assistant engineer in charge of the Central railroad of New Jersey. He accompanied the expedition that in 1848 located the route of the railroad between Aspinwall and Panama, and on his return, a year later, engaged in building the suspension-bridge across the Niagara river at Lewiston. He was in charge of the Hoosac tunnel in 1858, and was concerned in the construction of the Bristol bridge over Avon river, in England.

Nelson, William Lloyd
b. February 22, 1918 d. April 25, 1943
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in the US Army in the 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division as a Mortar Section Leader. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Djebel Dardys, northwest of Sedjenane, Tunisia on April 24, 1943. His citation reads in part "Although mortally wounded in the accomplishment of his mission, and with his duty clearly completed, Sgt. Nelson crawled to a still more advanced observation point.

Pickett, Bobby 'Boris'
b. February 11, 1938 d. April 25, 2007
Singer, Entertainer. Fondly remembered for his hit song, "The Monster Mash."

Gilliland, Charles L.
b. May 24, 1933 d. April 25, 1951Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal (then Private First Class) in Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Tongmang-ni, Korea, on April 25, 1951. His citation reads "Cpl. Gilliland, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy.

Knight, Raymond
b. June 15, 1922 d. April 25, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Timpson, Texas he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps. In April 1944, he was assigned to the 350th Fighter Group, 12th Air Force, Northern Italy, where he flew 82 combat missions in a P-47 Thunderbolt. On the morning of April 25, 1945, Lieutenant Knight volunteered to lead another attack on the airfield at Bergamo, Italy.

Gonzales, David M.
b. June 9, 1923 d. April 25, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during World War II as a Private First Class in Company A, 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Villa Verde Trail on Luzon, the Philippine Islands, on April 25, 1945. His citation reads “He was pinned down with his company. As enemy fire swept the area, making any movement extremely hazardous, a 500-pound bomb smashed into the company's perimeter, burying 5 men.

Lopes, Lisa 'Left Eye'
b. May 27, 1971 d. April 25, 2002
Pop Musician. She was a member of the pop music group “TLC” which she formed with Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins in 1992. The released three albums during their tenure, 1992’s "Oooooooh...On the TLC Tip”, 1994’s "CrazySexyCool," (which brought them mainstream success with the popularity of the hit song "Waterfalls”), and 1999’s "FanMail", which topped the United States pop album charts for five weeks, and generated eight Grammy Award nominations.

Fletcher, Frank Jack
b. April 29, 1885 d. April 25, 1973
Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Citation: "Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy. Place and date: Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914. Entered service at: Iowa. Born: 29 April 1885, Marshalltown, Iowa. G.O. No.: 177, 4 December 1915. Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Under fire, Lt. Fletcher was eminent and conspicuous in performance of his duties.

Guss, Henry Ruhl
b. July 28, 1825 d. April 25, 1907
Civil War Union Brevet Major General. In July of 1861, he received authority from the Secretary of War to recruit a Pennsylvania regiment and thus formed the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment and was commissioned Colonel in command. Promoted Brigadier General in 1862, he led the 97th Pennsylvania the entire Civil War in engagements in Maryland, Virginia and up to the surrender of Confederate General Johnson's Army at Durham Station, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.

Opdycke, Gen. Emerson
b. January 7, 1830 d. April 25, 1884
Civil War Union Brigadier General. General Opdycke, whose full name was Samuel Emerson Opdycke, was born on his father's farm in Ohio. During the California gold rush, he made two trips to the gold fields, but eventually went into the mercantile business. Enlisting after the Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), Opdycke fought at Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, in the Atlanta Campaign, and at Franklin, Tennessee, being badly wounded in the arm at Resaca, Georgia.

Langhorne, Cary DeVall
b. May 14, 1873 d. April 25, 1948
Mexican Campaign Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Navy as a Surgeon during the 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico Campaign. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on April 22, 1914. His citation reads “For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz. Surg. Langhorne carried a wounded man from the front of the Naval Academy while under heavy fire”. His Medal was awarded to him on December 4, 1915.

Bennett, Floyd
b. October 25, 1890 d. April 25, 1928
Aviator, Explorer, US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. On May 9, 1926, he and Robert Byrd took off and made history by being the first men to fly over the North Pole. For this feat, both men were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Plans were made for a second trip, this time to the South Pole. Unfortunately, he did not live to realize the triumph of the South Pole Expedition.

Sanders, George
b. July 3, 1906 d. April 25, 1972
British-born motion picture actor. Between 1934 and 1972 he appeared in over 124 films. His films include, "Lloyds Of London" (1936) and "All About Eve" (1950). In 1950 he won an Oscar for his role in "All About Eve" as best supporting actor as the villainous drama critic. Among his television appearances are, "Mission Impossible" (1966-1973), "Batman" (1968), "Daniel Boone" (1964-1970), "The Rogues" (1964-1965), "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." (1964-1968), "Voyages To The The Bottom Of The Sea"

Wilson, Don
b. September 1, 1900 d. April 25, 1982
Actor. He appeared in the films "The Mouse That Jack Built" (1959), "Niagara" (1953), "The Senator Was Indiscreet" (1947), "Dick Tracy" (1945), "Swing It Soldier" (1941), "Hollywood Goes To Town" (1938), "Meet The Missus" (1937), "Broadway Melody Of 1936" (1935) and "Riders Of The Cactus" (1931). He appeared in the television shows "Batman" (1966-1968), "Death Valley Days" (1952-1975) and "Screen Directors Playhouse" (1955-1956).

Williams, Claude 'Fiddler'
b. February 22, 1908 d. April 25, 2004
Jazz Pioneer, Musician. He played guitar, mandolin, banjo and cello by the age of ten. He then heard Joe Venuti's violin at an outdoor pavilion "above the orchestra, on top of all the other instruments" and convinced his family to buy him his first fiddle the next day. His paying work started with his brother-in-law Ben Johnson's string band, a group of young musicians playing barber shops, hotels, and front yards.

Mullane, Anthony John 'Tony'
b. January 30, 1859 d. April 25, 1944
Major League Baseball Player. Known as "Count" or the "Apollo of the Box". A 19th-century pitcher who amassed more than 280 wins (the exact number is in dispute). He is also known for being the first pitcher to throw both right and lefthanded in a game.

Perkins, Johnny
b. April 21, 1953 d. April 25, 2007
Professional Football Player. He joined the New York Giants as a second-round draft pick in 1977 and spent his entire career with the team as a wide receiver, retiring in 1983. In 1981 he led the Giants with career-high totals of 51 catches for 858 yards and six touchdowns. In seven seasons, he caught 163 balls for 2611 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 71 games. He was also an All-American at Abilene Christian University as both a wide receiver and punter.

Died On This Date

2009-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 24

Abbott, Bud
b. October 2, 1895 d. April 24, 1974
Actor, Comedian. He is best remembered for his partnership with Lou Costello that formed the highly successful "Abbott and Costello" comedy team. Born William Alexander Abbott in Asbury Park, New Jersey, he worked in carnivals while still a child, and dropped out of school in 1909. He worked for awhile as a treasurer for the Casino Theater in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, and then for other theaters around the country. Cause of death: Cancer.

Simpson (Warfield), Wallis (Bessie Wallis)
b. June 19, 1896 d. April 24, 1986
American Folk Person, English Duchess. Her life's journey was so bazaar and over the horizon that one could surmise it was written by a Hollywood screen writer. A twice-divorced woman, an American commoner, shook the British Monarchy to its foundations by capturing the heart of its king who then gave up his throne so they could be married. She was born Bessie Wallis Warfield, in a cottage on the grounds of Monterey Inn, a fashionable resort in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.

Lauder, Estee
b. July 1, 1908 d. April 24, 2004
Cosmetics Magnate. Born Josephine Esther Mentzer she turned a kitchen blended face cream business into an international cosmetics empire. Along with her husband Leonard Lauter (later Lauder) they turned the Estee Lauder into a household name in 1953. Over the years they added lines and new products, fragrances such as White Linen and Cinnabar, the Aramis line of men's toiletries and the Clinique line of fragrance-free, allergy-tested products.

Harrison, Benjamin
b. December 13, 1730 d. April 24, 1791
Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia. He was the father of 9th US President William Henry Harrison (1773 – 1841) and the Great-Grandfather of 23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (1833 – 1901).

Cox, Robert Edward
b. December 22, 1876 d. April 24, 1937
US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Navy as a Chief Gunners’ Mate on board the Battleship “USS Missouri” (BB-11). He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during an accident on board the ship in April 13, 1904. His citation reads “While at target practice off Pensacola, Fla., an accident occurred in the after turret of the Missouri whereby the lives of 5 officers and 28 men were lost. The ship was in imminent danger of destruction by explosion.

Hibbler, Allbert George
b. August 16, 1915 d. April 24, 2001
Jazz Singer. Blind from birth, he is best remembered as one of Duke Ellington's most colorful vocalists. After he went solo in the 1950's he enjoyed his biggest hit with "Unchained Melody." As a jazz singer he was known for his rich baritone voice and his exaggerated phrasing.

Paulsen, Pat
b. July 6, 1927 d. April 24, 1997
Actor, Comedian, and Presidential Candidate. Born Patrick Layton Paulsen. Died aged 69 from Pneumonia after battling colon cancer. Appeared in "Pat Paulsen's Half-Hour Comedy Hour" (1970), "Harper Valley P.T.A." (1978), and "Blood Sucker from Outer Space" (1984). Cause of death: Cancer.

Oglesby, Richard James
b. July 25, 1824 d. April 24, 1899
Civil War Union Brigadier General, 14th Illinois Governor, US Senator.

Koster, Fred
b. December 21, 1905 d. April 24, 1979
Major League Baseball Player. The left-handed-hitting outfielder played in 76 games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1931. He hit .225. Later, he had a successful car dealership in Louisville.

Scott, Edward Irvin
b. May 13, 1846 d. April 24, 1931
Business Magnate. Founder and President of the Scott Paper Company. The company became the leading producer of bathroom tissue by 1890. Today, Scott Paper Company is part of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and the Scott products are available in virtually every city in the United States.

Hallidie, Andrew Smith
b. March 16, 1836 d. April 24, 1900
Engineer, Inventor. Andrew Hallidie emigrated to America in 1852 during California's gold rush. While he didn't find wealth in the mines, he did at least find work as a surveyor, contractor and engineer. He became the first person to make wire rope cables, critical elements of suspension bridges, mine hauling systems, and an endless cable ropeway for industrial purposes which Hallidie patented in 1867. He received his first cable car-related patent on January 17, 1871.

Morey, Delano
b. July 14, 1845 d. April 24, 1911
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a prisoner of war. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company B, 82d Ohio Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 8, 1862 at McDowell, Virginia. His citation reads "After the charge of the command had been repulsed, he rushed forward alone with an empty gun and captured two of the enemy's sharpshooters."

Hewitt, Eliza Edmunds
b. June 28, 1851 d. April 24, 1920
Hymns Writer. She is the cousin of Hymn Writer 'Edgar Page Stites'.

Died On This Date

2009-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 23

Shakespeare, William
b. April 23, 1564 d. April 23, 1616
Playwright. Unquestionably the most famous English Language writer in history, his body of work is so loved and so studied that it has been translated into more languages than any other printed work except the bible. He was born in 1564 to a farmer and gentry and from a very early age showed an interest in storytelling. By 1592, he had established himself as a talented writer and actor the theater of London but when plague closed the London theatres for two years he toured.

Yeltsin, Boris
b. February 1, 1931 d. April 23, 2007
Russian President. He is best remembered in the west for his standing on a Soviet tank in August 1991 to personally stop an attempted coup of the Soviet government by pro-communist military hardliners. He was the first freely elected President of Russian Federation, and helped Russia move in transition from dictatorship and a communist economy towards democracy and a capitalistic economy. He was born Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin into a peasant family in the Sverdlovsk region of the USSR.

Colgate, Samuel b. March 22, 1822 d. April 23, 1897Businessman. He was the founder of Colgate-Palmolive, Peet Company.

Cervantes, Miguel de
b. September 29, 1547 d. April 23, 1616Renowned Spanish Writer. From his first novel, La Galatea, to his final production Los Trabajos de Persiles y Segismunda in 1617, Cervantes won the respect and admiration of the world. The fourth of 7 children, he was born into a poor family but from a very early age Cervantes showed his love for adventure and literature. His family was always on the move in search of better fortune and Miguel led the life of a nomad which was to have an acute influence in his immortal novel El Ingenioso.

Cosell, Howard William
b. March 25, 1918 d. April 23, 1995
Television Sportscaster. He gained wide fame and acclaim during his tenure as a football commentator on ABC's "Monday Night Football". Born Howard William Cohen in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he attended New York University, where he received a degree in law and was admitted to the New York State Bar at the age of 23. He served in the Army during World War II, and opened a law office in Manhattan upon his release, which counted several actors and athletes. Cause of death: Heart ailment.

Goddard (Levy), Paulette (Pauline Marion)
b. June 3, 1914 d. April 23, 1990
Actress. A child model, she made her show business debut at the age of thirteen in the Ziegfeld Follies. She quickly became very famous for her work in the show, and by the age of fifteen had already gotten married for the first time. However, the marriage didn't last long, and in 1931 she headed for Hollywood. At first she appeared only in minor roles, but found herself getting noticed nevertheless because of her good looks. One of her most important minor roles from this period of her career. Cause of death: Heart failure

Crabbe, Buster b. February 2, 1908 d. April 23, 1983Olympic Athlete, Actor. He was an Olympic swimmer who won a Gold Medal in the 400 meter freestyle in the 1932 games at Los Angeles. He was also an accomplished actor who starred in Tarzan and "Flash Gordon" and many other movies.

Arlen, Harold (Hyman Arluck)
b. February 15, 1905 d. April 23, 1986
Songwriter. Composer of the song "Over the Rainbow," which became famous in the movie "Wizard of Oz."

Mars, Florence Latimer
b. January 1, 1923 d. April 23, 2006
Author. She is best-known for her book "Witness in Philadelphia" (1977), about the 1964 killings of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and James Earl Chaney in Mississippi. Mars repeatedly spoke out against the Ku Klux Klan and other forces oppressing the black population of east central part of the state. Testifing before a federal grand jury, she was a significant source of information in the F.B.I.'s investigation of the killings.

Halberstam, David
b. April 10, 1934 d. April 23, 2007
American Journalist and Author. Halberstam graduated from Harvard University with a degree in journalism in 1955 and started his career writing for the Daily Times Leader in West Point, Mississippi. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, writing for The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee, he covered the beginnings of the American Civil Rights Movement. In the mid 1960s, Halberstam covered the Vietnam War for The New York Times. Cause of death: Auto accident.

Whitfield, James Monroe
b. April 10, 1822 d. April 23, 1871
Poet. Best known for his poem titled "A Poem Written for the Celebration of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation."

Died On This Date

2009-04-22T00:00:00.001-07:00

April 22

Nixon, Richard Milhous
b. January 9, 1913 d. April 22, 1994
37th United States President. Born in California. Graduated from Whittier College and Duke University Law School. Returned to California, practiced law, and married Thelma "Pat" Ryan whom he met when he tried out for a role in a local play. Served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Elected to Congress from Southern California in 1946 and 1948. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1950.

Bombeck (Fiste), Erma
b. February 21, 1927 d. April 22, 1996
Newspaper Columnist. For three decades she chronicled life's absurdities in a syndicated column carried by hundreds of newspapers. She was born Erma Louise Fiste in Dayton, Ohio to a father who was a city crane operator. At age fifteen, she was hired by the Dayton Herald as a copygirl. Shirley Temple came to Dayton premiering her latest movie. Erma interviewed her and the story was published on the feature page. That day marked the beginning of her writing career. Cause of death: Transplanted kidney failure.

Dunham, Jason L.
b. November 10, 1981 d. April 22, 2004
Iraq War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. President Bush announced on November 10, 2006, the 231st anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, that Dunham would be awarded the Medal of Honor. He is the first Marine since the Vietnam War and the second United States serviceman to receive the Medal of Honor.

Adams, Ansel Easton
b. February 20, 1902 d. April 22, 1984
Photographer. His photographic images of the American landscape, and especially those of the American West and Yosemite Park, became popular and familiar to millions. Born in San Francisco, California, he was a problem student in school, which may have been caused by dyslexia or a hyperactive condition. When he was twelve, he taught himself to play the piano and read music. Soon he was taking lessons, and the ardent pursuit of music became his substitute for formal schooling. Cause of death: Heart failure during a hospital stay.

Royce, Sir. Frederick Henry
b. March 27, 1863 d. April 22, 1933
Automotive Pioneer. He teamed with Charles Stewart Rolls to make the Rolls-Royce automobile. Agreement was that C.S. Rolls & company would take for sale all cars made by F.H. Royce Ltd. During World Wars I and II the company made tanks and airplane engines. For making his plants available for the war effort and for helping secure peace in the world he was knighted.

Totten, Joseph Gilbert
b. April 17, 1788 d. April 22, 1864
Civil War Union Brigadier General. One of the first graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York (class of 1805), he served as Chief Engineer of the United States Army for 26 years. During the Mexicamn War he served on the staff of Major General Winfield Scott's during the Mexican Warm, and was brevetted Brigadier General in 1847. During the Civil War he engaged in scientific studies and ordinance studies, and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1863.

Tillman, Pat
b. November 6, 1976 d. April 22, 2004
Professional Football Player, United States Army Soldier. Former defensive back with Arizona State, then the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, playing from 1998 to 2001. He voluntarily left a 3.6 million dollar professional football contract and joined the United States Army to become a Ranger in the spring of 2002 after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, he was killed in action in Afghanistan. Cause of death: Casualty of war.

Geer, Will (William Auge Ghere)
b. March 9, 1902 d. April 22, 1978
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of ‘Zebulon "Grandpa" Walton’ on the television series, "The Waltons" (1972 to 1981; his death was written into the drama in a special two hour episode, "The Empty Nest"). Born William Auge Ghere in Frankfort, Indiana, he studied botany, obtaining a BS degree at the University of Chicago and a MS degree from Columbia University, but found acting to be his true love. He began with a touring company, and over the course of sixty years, acted in Broadway.

Nagle, James
b. April 5, 1822 d. April 22, 1866
Civil War Union Brigadier General. During the Mexican American War, he served as an officer in Company B, 1st Pennsylvania Volunteers and assisted in the siege of Vera Cruz. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he organized the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry and was made Colonel. He commanded his brigade at the Second Bull Run, at Antietam and was promoted Brigadier General in September, 1862. In in June 1863, he organized the 39th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and participated in the Gettysburg.

Thomas, William H.
b. January 13, 1923 d. April 22, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Born in Wynne, Arkansas and entered the service at Ypsilanti, Michigan. He served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, 149th Infantry, 38th Infantry Division, at Zambales Mountains Luzon, Philippine Islands. On April 22, 1945, he was in the leading squad of Company B, which was attacking a wooded ridge when he was struck by explosive charges which blew off both his legs below the knees.

Kirkwood, James Pugh
b. March 27, 1807 d. April 22, 1877
Civil Engineer. One of the foremost civil engineers of the mid-19th century, he was involved in projects ranging from the laying of miles of railroad tracks to many improvements and features of the New York City Harbor. He co-founded the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1852, and served as its president in 1867 to 1868.

McKean, William Wister
b. September 19, 1800 d. April 22, 1865
Civil War Union Naval Officer. Grandson of Declaration of Independence Signer Thomas McKean. Entered U.S. Navy at 14, and served in the War of 1812 on board the "U.S.S. Java" under Oliver hazard Perry. Served in the West Indies and commanded the "U.S.S. Dale" during the Mexican War. Promoted to Commodore, and named commander of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron in October 1861, serving until February 1862 when he was relieved by David Farragut.

Middleton, Charles B.
b. October 3, 1874 d. April 22, 1949
Actor. He is best remembered for his movie role of 'Emperor Ming the Merciless' as Buster Crabbe's nemesis in the 1930s "Flash Gordon" serials (1936 to 1940), and in the two movies, "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars" (1938) and "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" (1940). He also appeared in at least two of the Laurel and Hardy movies: the 1932 movie "Pack up your troubles" and "The flying deuces" in 1939. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Davis, Paul Lavon
b. April 21, 1948 d. April 22, 2008
Musician. He is best remembered for his 1978 hit single, "I Go Crazy." The song which was featured on his 1977 album, "Singer Of Songs--Teller Of Tales", went to number seven on the music charts and stayed there for a full eights months after it was released. It also spent an additional 40 weeks on the Top 100 and it would go onto become his signature hit.

Froman, Jane (Ellen)
b. November 10, 1907 d. April 22, 1980
Singer, Actress, Humanitarian. She was the child of Elmer and Anna Froman born in University City, Missouri just outside of St Louis. Her mother Anna was well schooled and accomplished in the field of music. The couple would divorce when Jane was five. Daughter and mother would return to Anna's hometown of Clinton to live. At twelve, the family moved to Columbia where her mother began teaching music, first at Christian College and then St. Stevens College.

Lovelace (Boreman), Linda
b. January 10, 1949 d. April 22, 2002
Adult film actress and later, anti-porn advocate. Her role in the movie, "Deep Throat" (1972), made her a star overnight and her stage name a household word. She died of injuries resulting from an automobile accident. Born Linda Boreman, in the Bronx borough of New York City. In her autobiography, "Ordeal," (1980) she depicted her first husband, Chuck Traynor, as forcing her into a life of violence and pornography. She made several adult films, but her breakthrough film was "Deep Throat" Cause of death: Auto accident.

Paluck, John 'Mean John'
b. May 23, 1935 d. April 22, 2003Professional Football Player. Recognized as one of the all-time defensive linemen to play at the University of Pittsburgh. He went on to become a defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins in 1956, and from 1959 to 1965. He was voted the Washington Redskin's Most Valuable Player twice and was selected among its 100 all-time greatest players. Cause of death: Cancer.

Sullivan, Alleta
b. January 28, 1895 d. April 22, 1972
Folk Figure. She was one of America's most famous patriotic mothers. Her five sons, the Sullivan brothers died when their ship, the "USS Juneau" was sunk off the Soloman Islands in 1942. During the war, she and her husband toured the country making speeches for the war effort.

Price, (Charles) Melvin
b. January 1, 1905 d. April 22, 1988
US Congressman. Served in the United States Army during World War II in the Quartermaster's Corps. He was elected to representative five different Illinois Districts in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1945 until his death in office in 1988, a span of 43 years. He represented the 22nd District from 1945 to 1949, the 25th District from 1949 to 1953, the 24th district from 1953 to 1973, the 23rd District from 1973 to 1983, and finally the 21st district from 1983 to 1988.

Died On This Date

2009-04-21T10:40:00.001-07:00

April 21

Twain (Clemens), Mark (Samuel Langhorne)
b. November 30, 1835 d. April 21, 1910
Author, Humorist. He is remembered not only for authoring many books but also for his humorist maxims, quotations and opinions. Similar to many authors of his day, he had little formal education. His family moved from his birthplace Florida, Missouri to nearby Hannibal on the Mississippi where he grew up experiencing life on the waterfront. His came from the print shops and newspaper offices where he worked as a youth, and became a licensed Mississippi riverboat pilot navigating the river

Davidson, William A
b. October 14, 1870 d. April 21, 1937
Businessman. Co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Corperation.

May, Martin O.
d. April 21, 1945
WW II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Private first Class, US Army in the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division. At legusuku-Yama on Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands from April 19-21, 1945, he held his position manning a machine gun against several strong enemy attacks. On the morning 21st, he was severely wounded but continued to fight, throwing hand grenades at the enemy until mortally wounded.

von Richthofen, Manfred 'The Red Baron'
b. May 2, 1892 d. April 21, 1918
World War I German Fighter Ace. He was born into an aristocratic Prussian military family. He began World War I in the cavalry before transferring into the Air Service. He received Germany's highest military honor, the medal "Pour le Merite," after receiving 24 confirmed enemy plane "kills." His highest promotion was that of Rittmeister (Cavalry Captain). His squadron became noted for it's brightly colored planes, nicknamed "The Flying Circus." Richthofen's plane was mostly painted red.

O'Brien, Parry
b. January 28, 1932 d. April 21, 2007
Olympic Athlete. Born William Parry O'Brien Jr., in Santa Monica, California. He was pioneer of a shot-putting style that helped him win the gold medal during the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics and a silver medal during the 1960 Summer Olympics. While attending college at the University of Southern California, O'Brien won numerous national titles and would set and break many world records. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1974 and the United States Olympic Hall.

Peck, John James
b. January 4, 1821 d. April 21, 1878
Civil War Union Major General. Born in Manlius, New York, he attended the United States Military Academy, graduating 8th out of 39 in 1843 (his class included future Civil War luminaries as Ulysses S. Grant, William B. Franklin, Samuel G. French and Franklin Gardner). Posted to the 2nd United States Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant, he served in garrison duty in New York before being sent to Mexico upon the start of hostilities there in 1846.

Martini, Gary Wayne
b. September 21, 1948 d. April 21, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class (Rifleman) in Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)FMF. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam on April 21, 1967. He was killed in action. His citation reads in part "Although he knew that one man had been killed attempting to assist the wounded, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and dragged a comrade.

Losey, Robert Moffat
b. May 27, 1908 d. April 21, 1940
United States Army Officer. A Captain in the United States Army, was the first American killed in World War II, dying in a Nazi air raid on Dombas, Norway. A momument to Captain Losey was erected in Dombas in 1987 by the Norwegian government.

Simone, Nina
b. February 21, 1933 d. April 21, 2003
Jazz Singer/Vocalist. Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, in Tryon, North Carolina, being raised in a family of 8 children. At a young age she wanted to be a pianist so she began taking lessons, later being accepted to the Juilliard School of Music in New York. She supported her self by generating her wages while teaching piano lessons to others. Later she received a job at a nightclub in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but on one condition-that she sang as well as play the piano.

Rowe, James Nicholas 'Nick'
b. February 8, 1938 d. April 21, 1989
Colonel was the author of "Five Years to Freedom" POW Vietnam (Escaped 1968). Killed by Communist guerrillas in Manila,Philippines on April 21,1989. The Viet Cong kept James N. ''Nick'' Rowe in a bamboo cage in Vietnam's Mekong Delta for five years, but they couldn't break his spirit with a constant barrage of propaganda and daily death threats. Instead, hooded gunmen in the Philippines took the life of the 51-year-old Army colonel.

Died On This Date

2009-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 20

Columbine School Memorial
d. April 20, 1999
Memorial Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Littleton, Arapahoe County, Colorado that honors the Victims of the Columbine High School Tragedy.

Stoker, Bram (Abraham)
b. November 8, 1847 d. April 20, 1912
Author. He is best known for his 1897 horror novel "Dracula", which established the popular modern day legend of the fictional 'vampire" of the title. Educated at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, he served there as President of the Philosophical Society and earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in 1870 and 1875, respectively. In 1878, he was selected by famed Shakespearian actor Henry Irving to manage London, England's Lyceum Theatre; he would hold that position until the theater's closure.

Kretsinger, George
b. June 20, 1844 d. April 20, 1906
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the Union Army in the Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 22, 1863 at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads "Carried with others by hand a cannon up to and fired it through an embrasure of the enemy's works."

Ingalls, Caroline Lake Quiner
b. December 12, 1839 d. April 20, 1924
Folk and literary figure. Born the fifth of seven children of Henry and Charlotte Tucker Quiner in Brookfield, Wisconsin. At sixteen, she started as a teacher, but married Charles Ingalls in February of 1860 effectively ending her career. She followed her husband through numerous moves and settled in more than half a dozen homes before she extracted a promise from her husband that their next move would be their last.

Parton, James
b. December 10, 1912 d. April 20, 2001
Journalist, Historian. Founder of American Heritage magazine. He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and served as historian for the Eight Air Force. Founded American Heritage in 1954 and served as its publisher and president.

Mauser, Daniel Conner
b. June 25, 1983 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999.

Whittingham, Charlie
b. April 13, 1913 d. April 20, 1999
Horse Trainer. His long career predated modern horse racing in California. Charlie Whittingham became affiliated with horse racing in 1930 at the now defunct Caliente track in Tijuana. He was present in the 30's when California's fledging horse racing industry moved to national prominence with the openings of Santa Anita, Del Mar and Hollywood Park. During his over sixty years as a trainer, his horses posted amazing results...Won the Kentucky Derby twice...Ferdinand and Sunday Silence .

Cantinflas (Fortino Mario Moreno Reyes)
b. August 12, 1911 d. April 20, 1993
Actor, Comedian. Known universally by the name "Cantinflas," Charlie Chaplin referred to him as the 'funniest man in the world.' He was the second of 15 brothers born to a poor family. In his youth he had to work as a shoemaker, cab driver, bull fighter and on occasions had to help his father, a mailman, deliver the mail. He began to study Medicine in order to please his family but promptly left it behind. He was in the military and a professional boxer before trying his hand as a dancer.

Velasquez, Kyle Albert
b. May 5, 1982 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. Although Kyle never served in the military, he planned to enlist after high school, and was buried with full military honors.
Stewart, Dennis Cleveland
b. July 29, 1947 d. April 20, 1994
Actor. A native of Los Angeles, California, Stewart is best remembered for his role as Scorpions gangmember 'Leo "Crater Face" Balmudo' in "Grease" (1978), and "Grease 2" (1982). Stewart's other roles include the films, "Pete's Dragon" (1977), "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1978), "Elvis" (1979), "Zoot Suit" (1981), "D.C. Cab" (1983), "Police Story: Cop Killer" (1988), "Cop" (1988), and "Fatal Charm" (1990). He also appeared on the television programs, "Hunter", Cause of death: Complications of AIDS.

Paz, Octavio
b. March 31, 1914 d. April 20, 1998
Nobel Laureate, diplomat, poet and critic. In his teens, he founded an avant-garde magazine, Barandal, and published his first book of poems, Luna Silvestre (1933). He studied law and literature at the National University, but refused to accept his degree. During the Spanish Civil War (1937-1938), he fought on the Republican side. In the late 1930s and in the 1940s he worked as a journalist.

Kechter, Matthew Joseph
b. February 19, 1983 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999.

Wessel, Dick
b. April 20, 1913 d. April 20, 1965
Screen, stage, radio and television actor. Appeared in dozens of films 1935-66 including "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942), "An American in Paris" (1951) and "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds" (1953).

DePooter, Corey Tyler
b. March 3, 1982 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999.

Rohrbough, Daniel Lee
b. March 2, 1984 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999.

Sanders, William 'Dave'
b. October 22, 1951 d. April 20, 1999
Murder Victim. Victim of the Columbine High School Shooting in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999.

Died On This Date

2009-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 19

Byron, Lord. George Gordon
b. January 22, 1788 d. April 19, 1824Author, Poet. He was the 6th Baron Byron. He was among the most famous of the English 'Romantic' poets. His major works include Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Don Juan and Hours of Idleness. He died of fever and exposure while engaged in the Greek struggle for independence. His remains (except for his heart, which is buried at Missolonghi, Greece) were sent back to England and buried beneath the chancel of St. Mary Magdalene at Huchnall-Torkard in Nottinghamshire.

Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial 'Survivor Tree'
d. April 19, 1995
The tree, located across the street to the north of the Murrah Building, and directly in front of the bombed out hulk of the Journal Record Building, sustained the full force of the blast, and survived. After the April 19, 1995 tragedy, the tree rapidly became a symbol of hope to family members who lost loved ones in the bombing, as well as survivors of the blast, and the name "Survivor Tree" was adopted. Cause of death: Bomb.

Brannum, Hugh
b. January 5, 1910 d. April 19, 1987
Actor, Comedian, Entertainer. He is best remembered for his role of Mr. Green Jeans, the farmer and animal lover on the long running television series, "Captain Kangaroo." Born Hugh Brannum in Sandwich, Illinois, he moved with his family to California, and learned to play a variety of musical instruments while growing up. Using this talent to earn extra money, he joined a band playing trumpet, moving on to guitar and banjo, and later to the upright bass.

Darwin, Charles Robert
b. February 12, 1809 d. April 19, 1882
Scientist, Philosopher. Naturalist author of 'The Origin of the Species' published in 1859. This tells the theory of evolution by 'natural selection.' Darwin appears on the back of the new British £10 note (which was first issued on November 27, 2000).

Curie, Pierre
b. May 15, 1859 d. April 19, 1906
Scientist. Researcher into radiation. Married Marie Curie in 1895, who assisted in his research. In 1898 they isolated the elements polonium and radium. Shared Nobel Prize in physics 1903 with his wife and with Becquerel. Obtained the Chair of Physics at the Sorbonne in 1904. Entered Pantheon in 1995 on centenary of his marriage to Marie. Cause of death: run over by a horse and carriage.

Whitney, Addison O.
b. October 30, 1839 d. April 19, 1861
United States Civil War Soldier. He was one of the first four casualties of that war. After the Union surrender of Fort Sumter on April 13, 1861, and the following secession of eleven Southern states, President Abraham Lincoln put out a call for Union volunteers to defend Washington, DC. Among the troops who responded to that call was the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, who soon boarded trains to take them to the national capital.

Almon, Baylee
b. April 18, 1994 d. April 19, 1995
Disaster Victim. One year-old victim of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. A widely-published photograph of her injured body in the arms of firefighter Chris Field came to symbolize the children who were lost in the tragedy. The photo won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography. Cause of death: Murdered.

Disraeli, Benjamin
b. December 21, 1804 d. April 19, 1881
19th Century British author and politician, best known as Prime Minister of England. Benjamin Disraeli was born into a genteel Jewish family in London on December 21, 1804. His father, Isaac D’Israeli was a well-known author of several books on literature and history. From this unlikely background, Disraeli advanced to the highest levels of British Politics and was to establish England's dominance in the world for many years. His father had Benjamin anglicize his name to Disraeli and got him..

Rush, Benjamin
b. December 24, 1745 d. April 19, 1813
Declaration of Independence Signer. His father died when he was six, and his mother placed him in the care of his maternal uncle Dr. Finley who became his teacher and advisor for many years. In 1759 he attended the College of Philadelphia, where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education with a Dr. Redman of Philadelphia for four years. He also attained a B.A. at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) and a M.D. at the University of Edinburgh (Physician).

Crossfield, Scott (Albert Scott)
b. October 2, 1921 d. April 19, 2006
Aviation Pioneer. He was the first man to fly twice the speed of sound (Mach 2). Immortalized in author Tom Wolfe's book "The Right Stuff," and in the 1984 motion picture of the same name, he was born Albert Scott Crossfield in Berkeley, California. He joined the United States Navy during World War II, becoming a fighter pilot and later, a fighter gunnery instructor. From 1946 to 1950, he worked in the University of Washington's Kirsten Wind tunnel while earning a bachelor and master's degree. Cause of death: Plane crash.

Edwards, Albert Gallatin
b. October 15, 1812 d. April 19, 1892
Brigadier General. Edwards graduated from West Point in 1832 & was assigned to duty at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. On April 28, 1835, he married Louise Cabanne, a descendant of the Chouteau family. He then resigned his commission & entered the mercantile trade. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Edwards had strong political connections & was an ardent Uni on sympathizer. He was appointed a brigadier general of Missouri militia & given responsibility for the St. Louis area.

Lewis, Richard
d. April 19, 2005Member of the doo-wop group, The Silhouettes. Lewis wrote the hit song 'Get A Job' which soared on the charts in 1958 and sold nearly 2 million copies. After serving in the Army in Korea, Mr. Lewis joined the Gospel Tornadoes, the quartet included Mr. Lewis, Bill Horton, Earl Beal and Raymond Edwards. They later changed the name to The Silhouettes. Mr. Lewis was the last surviving member of the original lineup. He died of multiple organ failure.

Died On This Date

2009-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 18

Einstein, Albert
b. March 14, 1879 d. April 18, 1955
Physicist and Social Reformer. Widely considered the most influential scientist of the twentieth century, Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany and spent his youth in Munich. He showed an acute interest in science and nature from an early age, but seemed to have only a mediocre aptitude for schoolwork, with the exception of mathematics. He did manage to graduate from the Swiss National Polytechnic in Zurich in 1900, but did not secure recommendations from his professors because of his negligible.

Guerrero, Gory
b. January 11, 1921 d. April 18, 1990
Hall of Fame Professional Wrestler, he earned a number of titles in the sport of wrestling, and is remembered as the patriarch of one of the greatest professional wrestling families ever. Born Salvadore Guerrero Quesada in Arizona, his family moved shortly after his birth to Mexico, and four years later to California, where he attended school. When Gory was 13, his mother passed away at the age of 30, and young Gory went to work to help support his family, working as a paper boy and a bell boy.

Hill, Benny
b. January 21, 1924 d. April 18, 1992
Actor, Comedian. Best remembered for his comic antics on "The Benny Hill Show," which ran on television from 1955 to 1989. Born Alfred Hawthorn Hill in Southampton, England, where his grandfather introduced him to Burlesque Shows and the comic world of theater. Both his father and uncle were circus clowns, performing until they left for military service during World War I. During World War II, he served in the British Army, and after his discharge in 1945, he came to London where he began. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Pyle, Ernie (Ernest Taylor)
b. August 3, 1900 d. April 18, 1945
Journalist. Born in Dana, Indiana, he attended the University of Indiana but never graduated. Originally a reporter, copy editor, and aviation editor, ih 1932 he began to write a daily column on trips to various sections of the countryas a roving reporter for the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. During World War II he followed along while reporting with front-line troops, first in Europe, then the Pacific Theater, winning a Pulitzer Prize for reporting in 1944. His columns eventually appeared. Cause of death: Killed by sniper's machine gun bullets on the small island of le Shima, just west of Okinawa.

Smith, James
b. October 17, 1884 d. April 18, 1956
Aviation Pioneer, Inventor. Pioneer test pilot. Invented free type manually operated parachute.

Merrell, Joseph Frederick
b. August 21, 1926 d. April 18, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Private in the United States Army in Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on April 18, 1945 near Lohe, Germany.

Heyerdahl, Thor
b. October 6, 1914 d. April 18, 2002
Explorer and Archaeologist. His 1947 expedition proved his theory possible that early South Americans could have settled the Pacific Ocean area. This expedition, on a balsa raft named Kon-Tiki, allowed him to cross the Pacific from Peru to Polynesia, a distance of 4,300 miles in just 101 days. Later expeditions from Egypt towards North America in the reed rafts Ra, and Ra II, gave his theory that early Egyptians may have visited Mexico some credible argument.

Bloss, William Clough
b. January 19, 1795 d. April 18, 1863
Social Reformer. He was one of the founders of the Anti-Slavery movement and the publisher of the early Civil Rights paper "The Rights of Man". The inscription on his monument gives a fairly accurate account of his life and works: "A Tribune of the People. In 1826 being convinced that the use of spirituous liquors was an evil, he emptied the contents of the bar of his tavern into the canal near this site. He was instrumental in establishing a Temperance Society in every town in this county.

Leonard, Benny
b. April 7, 1896 d. April 18, 1947
Lightweight Champion of the World 1917-1925. One of the greatest Lightweights in History, Benny Leonard possessed superb boxing skills as well as potent punching power. He fought over two hundred times and suffered only four knockouts: three early in his career and the fourth in his final fight. Born on the East Side of New York, Leonard learned to fight in neighborhood battles and turned pro in 1911 at just fifteen years of age. In his inaugural bout he was knocked out in the third round. Cause of death: Heart attack.

Wilkin, Edward G.
b. May 25, 1917 d. April 18, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army in Company C, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on March 18, 1945 at the Siegfried Line, Germany.

Clark, Harrison

b. April 10, 1842 d. April 18, 1913

Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He enlisted in the 125th New York Volunteer Infantry on August 27, 1862, and was mustered into Company E as a Corporal. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on the Second Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (July 2, 1863). His citation reads "Seized the colors and advanced with them after the color bearer had been shot". His regiment had been caught up in the attack of the Confederates under General James Longstreet on Emmitsburg.

Roberts, Needham
b. April 28, 1901 d. April 18, 1949
World War I United States Army Soldier. He was a recipient of the Croix de Guerre with Palm, along with Private Henry Johnson one of the first two American soldiers to be given that award by the French, and therefore one of the first two Americans to receive any decoration during the war. The son of an AME Zion pastor from Trenton, New Jersey, he had been an active Boy Scout and was clerking in a drug store in Trenton.

Ebbets, Charles
b. October 29, 1859 d. April 18, 1925
Major League Baseball Team Owner. Rose from a mere ticket seller to owner and President of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Purchased the team in 1898, and held ownership until his death in 1925 (his buying of the Dodgers ended a proposed move of the team to Baltimore). He was responsible for the hiring of Wilbert Robinson as team manager, and his club would go the the World Series twice in his tenure (1916 and 1920). He financed and built the now-legendary Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

Webb, Robert
b. January 8, 1903 d. April 18, 1990
Director, Producer from 1945-1968. Among his films are "Love Me Tender" and "The Proud Ones." Married to film editor/producer Barbara McLean.

Hoffman, Thomas W.
b. July 21, 1839 d. April 18, 1905
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Civil War as a Captain and commander of Company A, 208th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in action on April 2, 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads "Prevented a retreat of his regiment during the battle." He was a brevetted Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers for his service.

Died On This Date

2009-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 17

Franklin, Benjamin
b. January 17, 1706 d. April 17, 1790
Declaration of Independence Signer, Continental Congressman, US Diplomat, Printer and Inventor. Published the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanac". Famous for his confirming lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a thunderstorm. Invented bifocals, Franklin Stove and other inventions. Served as a Delegate from PA to the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Hart, Kitty Carlisle
b. September 3, 1910 d. April 17, 2007
Actress, Singer. Born Catherine Conn, in New Orlearns, Louisiana. She appeared on stage, in films and television from the 1930s to 2006. She is best remembered as a regular panelist in various versions of the television game show "To Tell The Truth", from the 1950s to the 1990s. She studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London prior to starting her career on the Broadway stage. One of her most memorable movies was the in 1935 film "A Night at the Opera" with the Marx Brothers. Cause of death: Complications of pneumonia.

Porter, Samuel
d. April 17, 1920
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Plains Indian Wars as a Farrier in Company L, 6th United States Cavalry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Battle of Wichita River, Texas on July 12, 1870. His citation reads simply "Gallantry in action". His Medal was issued on August 25, 1870. The 6th US Cavalry's Corporal John Connor, Sergeant George H. Eldridge, Corporal John J. Given, 1st Sergeant John J. Kirk, Sergeant John May, Private Solon D. Neal.

Hamilton, Charles
b. November 16, 1822 d. April 17, 1891
Civil War Union Major General. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1843, served in the Mexican War and remained in the Army until 1853. In 1861, he was commissioned Colonel of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment and in the same year was promoted to Brigadier General. He was transferred to the Department of the Mississippi, where he participated in the battles at Iuka and Corinth.

Sutton, Glenn
b. September 28, 1937 d. April 17, 2007
Country Singer, Songwriter and Music Producer. Born Royce Glenn Sutton. A native of Hodge, Louisiana, he is best known for writing such notable classic country songs such as, "Almost Persuaded," for David Houston, "I Don't Wanna Play House," for Tammy Wynette, "What Made Milwaukee Famous (Made a Loser Out of Me)," for Jerry Lee Lewis, and "Rose Garden," for Lynn Anderson. The song was Lynn Anderson's biggest hit. Sutton also wrote, "What A Man My Man Is," "She Still Comes Around,"

Shipman, William
b. 1831 d. April 17, 1894
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a Coxswain in the Union Navy. His citation reads "On board the USS Ticonderoga in the attack upon Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. As captain of No. 2 gun, stationed near the 100-pound Parrott rifle when it burst into fragments, killing eight men and wounding 12 more, Shipman promptly recognized the effect produced by the explosion and, despite the carnage surrounding them and the enemy's fire, encouraged the men at their guns by exclaiming.

McCartney, Linda
b. September 24, 1941 d. April 17, 1998
Photographer. Born Linda Eastman in New York City, New York; one of four children of Louise and show-business lawyer Lee Eastman. She attended the University of Arizona where she was a Fine Arts major. She met her first husband John Melvin See, Jr. while at school. They had one daughter, Heather. Linda divorced See when he made plans to move to Africa. She initially gained employment as a photographer for ‘Town and Country' magazine, she later worked for ‘Rolling Stone' magazine. Cause of death: Cancer.

Foxen, William Aloysius 'Bill'
b. May 31, 1884 d. April 17, 1937
Major League Baseball Player. The left-hander pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 1908 until July 1910, when he was traded to Philadelphia for Fred Luderus. He won only one game for the Cubs, that coming in 1911, his last season. Luderus, on the other hand, was the Phillies' regular first baseman for nine years, including when he hit .438 in their five-game loss to Boston in the 1915 World Series. Foxen's best season was 1908, when he was 7-7 with a 1.95 earned run average.

Cochran, Eddie
b. October 3, 1938 d. April 17, 1960
Musician. Popular Rockabilly guitarist, singer and songwriter. His most famous song is "Summertime Blues". Cause of death: Auto accident.

Wheeler, Henry W.
b. September 23, 1841 d. April 17, 1904
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was serving as a Private in Company A, 2nd Maine Infantry, when he earned the CMOH. His citation reads: Voluntarily accompanied his commanding officer and assisted in removing the dead and wounded from the field under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. The CMOH was awarded on April 5, 1898. He was one of three Maine soldiers to earned the CMOH at Bull Run on July 21, 1861. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

Clark, Mark Wayne
b. May 1, 1896 d. April 17, 1984
United States Army General. He was the son of a career infantry officer and was born in Madison Barracks, New York. Mark Wayne Clark grew up in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, near Fort Sheridan where is father was stationed. His aunt, Zettie Marshall, used her influence to secure his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. He was often sickly causing hospitalization which set him behind his classmates. Nevertheless, even though a poor scholar, he managed to graduate 110th in a class.

Kelly, Edward Harry
b. July 11, 1879 d. April 17, 1955
Composer, Band and Orchestra Leader. Edward Kelly was born on July 11, 1879 above a saloon in the West Bottoms near the old Union Depot. Kelly became a nationally recognized ragtime composer just as ragtime was becoming the most popular music in the country. He wrote a hit, "Peaceful Henry," in 1905 when he was 22 years old. Published in Kansas City, the rag became popular across the country and was recorded by bands and orchestras. Kelly would go on to write many popular rags.

Getty Jr., J. Paul
b. September 7, 1932 d. April 17, 2003
Philantropist. John Paul Getty Jr. was the third of five sons of J. Paul Getty, nicknamed "Oklahoma Crude," who built Getty Oil into a $6 billion fortune, making him the richest man in the world in his day. After attending the University of San Francisco and doing a brief stint in the army, Getty Jr. took charge of Getty Oil enterprises in Rome. But he resigned within six years. He then embarked on a freewheeling lifestyle of drugs and parties, growing his hair and adopting colorful velvet.

Atkins, Robert C.
b. October 17, 1930 d. April 17, 2003Medical Pioneer. He is the originator of the low carbohydrate, high protein "Atkins Diet," which he introduced in the 1972 book "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution." His dietary theories were disputed for years until medically validated 30 years later. His "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" sold over 10 million copies. At his time of death it was estimated that millions of Americans had participated in the "Atkins Diet."

Chaput, Louis G.
b. 1845 d. April 17, 1916
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Navy as a Landsman. He entered the service at New York, New York. His CMOH General Order Number was 45, dated December 31, 1864. He died in Montreal, Canada. His citation reads "On board the USS Lackawanna during the successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats, and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864.

Myers, John Twiggs
b. January 29, 1871 d. April 17, 1952
United States Marine Corps General. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1892, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1895. He participated in actions during the Spanish-American War (1898), the Philippine Insurrection (1899), and Boxer Rebellion (1900), and would later lead expeditions to the Philippines (1906-1907), Santo Domingo (1912), and Cuba (1913). Promoted to Brigadier General in 1929 and to Major General in 1931.

Leonard, Emil 'Dutch'
b. March 25, 1909 d. April 17, 1983
Major League Baseball Player. The right-hander had a 20-year pitching career with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1933 to 1936), the Washington Senators (1938 to 1946), the Philadelphia Phillies (1947 to 1948) and the Chicago Cubs (1949 to 1953). Best known for his knuckleball, he compiled a lifetime record of 190-182 with a 3.25 earned run average, 192 complete games, 3,218 innings pitched and 44 saves. He was the winning pitcher for the American League in the 1943 All-Star Game.

Died On This Date

2009-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 16

Lean, David
b. March 25, 1908 d. April 16, 1991
"Motion Picture Director. His directing credits include "In Which We Serve', "Great Expectations", "Oliver Twist", "Bridge on the River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia".

Ingalls, George Alan
b. March 9, 1946 d. April 16, 1967
Vietnam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a Specialist Fourth Class with the U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, April 16, 1967. His official CMOH citation reads as follows: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Ingalls, a member of Company A.

Urich, Robert
b. December 19, 1946 d. April 16, 2002
Actor. Born Robert Michael Urich in Toronto, Ohio, he was an athlete in high school, and won a football scholarship to Florida State University where he earned a BA in communications. He then transferred to Michigan State where he earned an MA in broadcast research. He debuted as a television actor in 1972 with a guest role on the series ‘The FBI.' Other bit roles followed until he broke out with the continuing character of Jim Street in the 1975 – 1976 season of ‘SWAT.' Cause of death: Cancer.

Ellison, Ralph Waldo
b. March 1, 1913 d. April 16, 1994
Author and Educator. He is best known for his novel, Invisible Man, which won the National Book Award in 1953. He is included in the group of great African-American authors of the 20th Century which includes Langston Hughes, Richard Wright and James Baldwin. Invisible Man is considered by some to be the most significant American novel since World War II and has been called the Moby Dick of the 20th century. The unnamed narrator of the book moves from a frontier belief in freedom and harmony.

Ray, Don
d. April 16, 2005
Musician. He was a composer for music for television, creating music and themes for such shows as “G.E. Theater”, “Playhouse 90”, “Twilight Zone”, “Rawhide”, “Gunsmoke”, “Wild Wild West”, “Gilligan's Island”, and “Hawaii Five-O”. He received an Emmy nomination in 1974 for best dramatic score.

McDaniel, Wahoo
b. June 19, 1938 d. April 16, 2002
Former pro football player who became one of wrestling's most flamboyant figures. He was a standout linebacker at the University of Oklahoma and played professionally for eight years. Capitalizing on his stardom from the gridiron, he became one of the country's most popular and beloved wrestlers. Fiercely proud of his Chickasaw Indian heritage, he always entered the ring with his trademark feather headdress. Cause of death: Kidney failure/diabetes.

Ferber, Edna
b. August 15, 1885 d. April 16, 1968
American writer. Her first best-selling novel "So Big" (1924) won a Pulitzer Prize and was filmed in 1933. "Show Boat" (1926) was turned into a stage musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, first produced on stage in 1927 and filmed in 1936 and 1951. "Cimarron" (1929) was filmed in 1931 and 1960 (the 1931 version was the only Western movie to win a Best Picture Oscar until 1992's "Unforgiven"). Other novels include "Come and Get It" (1935), "Saratoga Trunk" (1941), and "Giant" (1952).

Brand, Neville
b. August 13, 1920 d. April 16, 1992
Actor, Military Figure. Born in Griswold, Iowa, prior to his acting career he served as a Sergeant in the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division and received the Silver Star Medal during World War II. After the war, he worked on US Army Signal Corps films, enrolled at the American Theater Wing, New York in 1946 and worked on Broadway. He recolated to Hollywood and started his big screen career in "D.O.A." (1950), as a henchman named Chester. His other film credits included "Stalag 17".

Haskin, Byron
b. April 22, 1899 d. April 16, 1984
Motion Picture Director. He was born in Portland (Oregon) and died in Montecito (California). He began his career in the 20's as cinematographer and debuted as director in 1927. He is fondly remembered for his sci-films pictures such as "The War of the Worlds" (1953), "Conquest of Space" (1955), "From the Earth to the Moon" (1958) and "Robinson Crusoe in Mars" (1967). But he also directed another classic films as "The Naked Jungle" (1954), "Treasure Island" (1950), and "His Majesty O'Keefe" (1954).

Jarvis, Graham P.
b. August 25, 1930 d. April 16, 2003
Actor. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Jarvis is best known for his many films, television roles, including, 'Fame' "Making The Grade' 'The Guiding Light.' He also appeared in the films, "Trial By Jury" (1994), "Son In Law" (1993), "The Journeyman Project" (1992), "Misery" (1990), "Do You Known The Muffin Man?" (1989), "Parents" (1989), "Tough Guys" (1986), "Vanishing Act" (1986), "Mischief"(1985), "Carpool" (1983), "Mr. Mom" (1983), "The Amateur" (1981), and "The Prophecy" (1979).

Clay, Lucius
b. April 23, 1897 d. April 16, 1978
United States Army General. He served as Military Governor of the American Zone in Germany, and as commander of United States Forces in Europe. He organized and directed the 1948-1949 Berlin Airlift.

Canales, Laura
b. August 19, 1954 d. April 16, 2005
Singer, grande dame of Tejano music. Born in Kingsville, Texas, she was the first widely popular female singer in the male-dominated world of Tejano music. Made her recording debut in 1973 with Los Unicos, then joined El Conjunto Bernal for a brief period. Her first regional hit was Midnight Blue recorded with The Snowballs. Her 1977 album ranked 10th on Billboard's "Hot Latin" chart. Her 1990 album "No Regrets" stayed on the charts for 13 weeks.

Brady, Scott
b. September 13, 1924 d. April 16, 1985
Actor. Born Gerard Kenneth Tierney in Brooklyn, New York. Brother of actors Lawrence Tierney and Ed Tracy. He served in the Navy during World War II, where he was a Navy boxing champion. He was a lumberjack early in life before taking up acting. Brady took drama classes, appearing in his first film, "Canon City," in 1948. He usually played the tough guy roles as in the films, "He Walked by Night" and "Johnny Guitar." He appeared regularly on the 1970s TV cop show, "Police Story." Cause of death: Emphysema.

Markham, Tommy 'Porkchop'
b. February 7, 1941 d. April 16, 1993
Musician. Drummer for Conway Twitty for 31 years. He also co-wrote the lyrics for some of Conway's songs. His marker is a large, flat, black marble stone with etched picture of "Chops" playing the drums and the inscription "Playing in the big band now." Cause of death: Complications of diabetes.

Coody, William Shorey
b. 1806 d. April 16, 1849
Native American figure. After the removal of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears march, he wrote the Constitution for the Cherokee government. "An Act of Union," as the new Constitution was called, was to bring together the Eastern and Western bands of the Cherokee. He served as President of the Senate of the Cherokee Nation's first Council.

Died On This Date

2009-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 15

Lincoln, Abraham
b. February 12, 1809 d. April 15, 1865
Sixteenth United States President. As newly elected Abraham Lincoln made his way by train to Washington to assume the Presidency, the Union was fast disintegrating with secession by South Carolina followed by seven other Southern States. A Confederate government was already operating in the South. After taking the oath of office with outgoing President Buchanan beside him, he assumed the responsibility for preserving the Union by reversing secession.

Greta Garbo (Greta Lovisa Gustafsson)
b. September 18, 1905 d. April 15, 1990
Legendary Actress. Greta Garbo was born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson on September 18, 1905 in Stockholm, Sweden to poor parents. She went to work at the age of 14, first as a lather girl in a barbershop, and then as a clerk in a department store. In her first motion picture, "Luffar-Petter" (1922) she played a bathing beauty. She studied at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm from 1922 to 1924.

Damien, Joseph
b. January 3, 1840 d. April 15, 1889
The man who gave his life for the lepers of Hawaii. Joseph de Veuster was born to a farm family in Tremeloo, Belgium. Opting to follow in his brother's and sister's footsteps into a religious vocation, he entered religious life as a lay brother assuming the name of Damien after a physician-saint from the fourth century. Volunteering to join his order at the Sacred Hearts Mission in Hawaii, he arrived and was ordained a Catholic priest in Honolulu with an assignment to the leper colony. Cause of death: Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)

Leroux, Gaston
b. May 6, 1868 d. April 15, 1927
Writer. His work includes "The Phantom of the Opera."

Marquise de Pompadour, Jeanne Antoinette
b. December 29, 1721 d. April 15, 1764
Madame de Pompadour was born Jeanne-Antionette Poisson. Her father had left the family in 1725, when she was four, to escape his creditors. When Jeanne-Antionette was nine years old, her mother had taken her to a fortune teller and was told that one day she would become the mistress of a king. Her mother insisted on giving her the best education because of her belief that she would marry a rich man.

Smith, Edward John
b. January 27, 1850 d. April 15, 1912
Mariner. He was the Captain of the "RMS Titanic," and by most accounts, he was last seen on the bridge of the ship. However, there are several disputed reports of his last moments. His last reported words (also disputed) were "Be British," and his body was never recovered. Born in Handley, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, England, he began his seafaring career as an apprentice on a clipper ship in 1869. In 1880, he joined the White Star Line as a Fourth Officer on the "Celtic." Cause of death: Drowned.

Lowery, Louis R
b. July 24, 1916 d. April 15, 1987
United States Marine Corps Sergeant. Combat photographer. He photographed the raising of the first American Flag on Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima on February 23. 1945. This flag was later replaced by the flag in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press.

Anderson, Johannes
b. July 30, 1887 d. April 15, 1950
World War I Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during World War I as a First Sergeant in Company B, 132nd Infantry, 33rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Consenvoye, France, on October 8, 1918. His citation reads “While his company was being held up by intense artillery and machinegun fire, 1st Sgt. Anderson, without aid, voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the rear of the nest that was offering the most stubborn.

Astor IV., John Jacob
b. July 13, 1864 d. April 15, 1912
Businessman, Disaster Victim. A victim of the RMS Titanic sinking, he was the great-grandson of patriarch John Jacob Astor I, the grandson of "landlord of New York" William Backhouse Astor, and the son of THE Mrs. William Astor, nee Caroline Schermerhorn, legendary queen of New York's elite "400." Cause of death: Titanic sinking.

Ramage, Lawson
b. January 18, 1909 d. April 15, 1990
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. A 1931 Graduate of the USNA, he served during World War II in the United States Navy commanding several submarines. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery while at the naval rank of Commander, and while commanding the submarine “USS Parche” in the Pacific Ocean on July 31, 1944.

Button, William Robert
b. December 5, 1895 d. April 15, 1921
Corporal Button received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism & conspicuous gallantry & intrepidity in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Repulic of Haiti, on the night of October 31-November 1, 1919, resulting in the death of Charlemagne Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, & the killing, capture & dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. Corporal Button not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment & leadership.

Ramone (Hyman), Joey (Jeffrey)
b. May 19, 1951 d. April 15, 2001Singer. Punk Rocker and lead singer for the seminal rock band "The Ramones." Cause of death: Lymphatic cancer

Straus, Isidor
b. February 6, 1845 d. April 15, 1912
US Congressman, Macy's Department Store Owner and merchant. However, he is best remembered for his dignified manner of death aboard the RMS Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg. Born in Otterberg, Germany, of a cultivated family, his father, a successful merchant suffered from political repression and emigrated with the family in 1852, setting up a general store in Talbotton, Georgia. Young Isidor was educated in local public schools. Cause of death: Titanic sinking

Guggenheim, Benjamin
b. October 26, 1865 d. April 15, 1912
American businessman. A native of Philadelphia and son of mining industrialist Meyer Guggenheim. First class passenger who perished at sea in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Faced with impending death Mr. Guggenheim and his valet surrendered their lifebelts to a ship's steward and returned to their cabin suites to change into formal evening attire.

Died On This Date

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 14

Handel, George Friederic
b. February 23, 1685 d. April 14, 1759
One of the most prolific, successful, and revered composers and musicians who is considered one of the greatest composers of the baroque period, who enjoyed both public favor and royal patronage in his lifetime. Handel was an independent and strong-willed individual, and although he was approached several times by royal patrons to become their court composer, he was hesitant to professionally "settle down" until he was offered a position commensurate with the status he felt he deserved.

Ives (Ivanhoe), Burl Icle
b. June 14, 1909 d. April 14, 1995
Actor, Folk Singer, Author. Over the course of a long and diverse show business career, this imposing 300 pound singer appeared in some 30 movies, a dozen Broadway productions and recorded over 100 albums while making countless radio and television appearances. He was born Burl Icle Ivanhoe in rural Jasper County, Illinois near the town of Hunt, one of seven children, his father a farmer. Cause of death: Mouth cancer.

Ho, Don
b. August 13, 1930 d. April 14, 2007
Entertainer. Born Donald Tai Loy Ho, This native of Kakaako, Hawaii began a long and successful music career in his parent's Oahu bar after returning home from his service in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Soon the former high school football star, who before the Korean Conflict had worked in a pineapple cannery, developed a large local fan base. In the early 1960s he expanded his following by playing in local hotels. Cause of death: Heart failure

Corby (Hansen), Ellen
b. June 3, 1911 d. April 14, 1999
Actress. She is best remembered for her role of ‘Esther "Grandma" Walton” in the television series, "The Waltons" (1972 to 1981). Born Ellen Hansen in Racine, Wisconsin, she grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went to Hollywood in the early 1930s to start an acting career. Her career began with a small role in the film "Rafter Romance" (1933), and appeared in some five movies up to 1936, mostly unaccredited, when she took a nine-year break before returning in "Cornered" (1945).

Wire, Lester
b. September 3, 1888 d. April 14, 1958
Inventor of the electric traffic signal.

March, Fredric
b. August 31, 1897 d. April 14, 1975
Actor. Considered one of the most gifted and beloved actors of his generation, he won Academy awards for Best Actor in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"(1932) and "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946). He also received much critical acclaim for his work in "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" (1934), "Les Miserables" (1935), "Anna Karenina" (1935), "Death of A Salesman" (1951), "The Desperate Hours" (1955), "The Bridges at Toko-ri" (1955) and "Inherit the Wind" (1960).

Meagher, John William
b. December 5, 1917 d. April 14, 1996
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was serving as a Technical Sergeant in Company E, 305th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division, United States Army, near Ozato, Okinawa, June 19, 1945, when he earned his Medal. His citation reads: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. In the heat of the fight, he mounted an assault tank, and, with bullets splattering about him, designated targets to the gunner.

Johnston Jr., Oliver Martin 'Ollie'
b. October 31, 1912 d. April 14, 2008
Animator. He was the last living member of the celebrated "Nine Old Men" of Disney animation team whose work set the standard by which all character animation is judged. He created the character of Bambi and worked on numerous other Disney films, such as "Pinocchio" (1940), "Bambi" (1942), "The Three Caballeros" (1944), "Cinderella" (1950), "Alice in Wonderland" (1951), "Lady and the Tramp" (1955), "Sleeping Beauty" (1959) ,"The Sword in the Stone" (1963), "Mary Poppins" (1964), "The Jungle Book".

Woodbury, Eri Davidson
b. May 30, 1837 d. April 14, 1928
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Brevet Captain in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Sergeant in Company E, 1st Vermont Cavalry for action on October 19, 1864 at Cedar Creek, Virginia. His citation reads "During the regiment's charge when the enemy was in retreat, Sgt. Woodbury encountered four Confederate infantrymen retreating. He drew his saber and ordered them to surrender, overcoming by his determined actions their willingness to further.

Carson, Rachel Louise
b. May 27, 1907 d. April 14, 1964
Biologist, Writer, Ecologist. The youngest of three children, Rachel grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she credits her mother for instilling and nurturing a passion for nature. She graduated with honors from the Pennsylvania College for Women in 1929, and received her Masters in Marine Biology from Johns Hopkins University in 1932. After earning her degrees, she taught zoology at the University of Maryland, and then accepted a position with the US Bureau of Fisheries.

Paine, Halbert Eleazer
b. February 4, 1826 d. April 14, 1905
Civil War Union Brigadier General. He was born in Chardon, Ohio, and received a local education, graduating from Western Reserve College in 1845. He briefly worked as a schoolmaster in Mississippi, then returned to Ohio to study law; later in 1848, after being admitted to the bar, he would set up a practice in Cleveland. Interested in expanding his opportunities, he migrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1857. Sharing the political goals of local attorney Carl Schurz, he worked as his law partner.

Hibson, Joseph C.
b. August 3, 1843 d. April 14, 1911
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the Union Army in Company C, 48th New York Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on July 13,14 and 18, 1863 near Fort Wagner, South Carolina. His citation reads "While voluntarily performing picket duty under fire, 13 July 1863, was attacked and his surrender demanded, but he killed his assailant. The day following Hibson responded to a call for a volunteer to reconnoiter the enemy's position.

Bruff, Joseph Goldsborough
b. October 2, 1804 d. April 14, 1889
Artist. Historian. In the 1840s, he worked for the United States Bureau of Topographical Engineers where he created many of the maps used by the United States government, including maps of battle sites from the war with Mexico. In 1849, he was among the "49ers" who headed west during the California Gold Rush. He was a captain of the Washington City and California Mining and Wagon Company. During the 1840s and 1850s, he kept extensive journals of his travels.

Died On This Date

2009-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 13th

Redmond, Hugh Francis
b. October 30, 1919 d. April 13, 1970
World War II United States paratrooper who was held as a spy by the Chinese government for 19 years. He endured brutal torture and inhumane conditions while never admitting his U.S. government connections. His epitaph reads "His Country Above All Else." Cause of death: Murdered.

Bara, Theda (Theodosia Goodman)
b. July 29, 1885 d. April 13, 1955
Actress. She appeared in 47 films, from 1914 to 1926, but was unable to make the transition to sound film. She was considered one of the most successful and glamorous stars of the 1910s. She was the original "Vamp". Born under the name Theodosia Goodman, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was close to her parents and two siblings, and went to college for two years, dropping out in 1905 to pursue an acting career. Cause of death: Cancer.

Lansing, Henry Seymour
b. February 17, 1824 d. April 13, 1882
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War first as a Captain in the 12th United States Regular Infantry regiment, then as Colonel and commander of the 17th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "faithful and meritorious services during the war".

Ray, Joseph 'Joie'
b. 1923 d. April 13, 2007Auto Racing Pioneer. He is considered as the Jackie Robinson of automobile racing for breaking the color barrier in open wheel competition. In 1947, Ray was the first black person licensed by the American Automobile Association and first black to compete in sanctioned auto races. Until the 1950s, black drivers weren't allowed to compete with whites, so they formed an all-black circuit. His career spanned from 1947 to 1963, driving sprint cars, midget racers and super stock cars.

Lann, John S.
b. August 29, 1843 d. April 13, 1907
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Vay as a Landsman on board the "USS Magnolia". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during the attack on St. Marks, Florida on March 5 and 6, 1862. His citation reads in part "He served with the Army in charge of Navy howitzers. Throughout this fierce engagement he made remarkable efforts in assisting the transport of the gun.

Cannon, Annie Jump
b. December 11, 1863 d. April 13, 1941
Scientist. An Astronomer at the Harvard Observatory, she discovered over 300 stars and 5 novae. She was the first woman to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Oxford University (1925), and received the Henry Draper Medal of the National Academy of Sciences (1931). She established the Annie J. Cannon Prize of the American Astronomical Society in 1933.

Premice, Josephine
b. July 21, 1926 d. April 13, 2001
Actress. She appeared in such movies and television shows including, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" "A Different World" "The Cosby Show" and " The Jeffersons" and also starred on Broadway from 1976 to 1977 in the musical, "Bubbling Brown Sugar" and in "Mister Johnson" in 1956, based on Joyce Cary's novel. She was the mother of actor Enrico Fales and producer Susan Fales-Hill.

March, Peyton Conway
b. December 27, 1864 d. April 13, 1955
United States Army General. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, Class of 1888, and fought in the Spanish-American War in the Philippines (where he earned the Distinguished Service Cross), in the 1900 Philippine Insurrection, and was a military observer to the Japanese Army during the 1904 Russo-Japanese War. He served as United States Army Chief of Staff from 1918 to 1921, and was chief of staff during most of World War I.

Schultz Sr., Joseph Charles
b. July 24, 1893 d. April 13, 1941
Professional baseball player. Schultz played outfield for the 1912 & 1913 Boston Braves, the 1915 Brooklyn Robins, the 1915 Chicago Cubs, the 1916 Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1919-1924 St. Louis Cardinals, the 1924 & 1925 Philadelphia Phillies & the 1925 Cincinnati Reds. He was a key figure in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system & later became the director of the Pittsburgh Pirates' baseball farm system.

Luce, Moses Augustine
b. May 14, 1842 d. April 13, 1933
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the Union Army as a Sergeant in Company E, Fourth Michigan Infantry. At the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 10, 1864, he voluntarily returned in the face of the advancing Confederates to assist a wounded comrade and carried him to a place of safety. For extreme courage under enemy fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Johnson, Johnnie Clyde
b. July 8, 1924 d. April 13, 2005Pioneer Rock Music Musician. He was the pianist whose popular early-1950s trio with Chess Records was the launching pad for a young guitarist named Chuck Berry and he played a key role in the sound of Berry's genre-defining hits, such as "Rock and Roll Music" and "Roll Over Beethoven." One of Berry's best known songs, "Johnny B. Goode," was written as a salute to Johnson, whose keyboard work often played equal partner on recordings.

Chaminade, Cecile b. August 8, 1857 d. April 13, 1944Composer. Her light romantic music was very popular in the early 20th century. Chaminade's 400 published compositions include a symphony, a "Konzertstuck" for piano and orchestra, and a Flute Concertino that is still performed today; but her pure, melodic style was better suited to songs and solo piano pieces. In 1908 she was warmly received on a 12-city concert tour of the United States, and "Chaminade Societies" sprang up in the United States. and Europe. Her fame faded after World War I.

Willis, Guy
b. July 5, 1915 d. April 13, 1981
Member of the Willis Brother's trio also known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, who were star's of the Grand Ole Opry along with brothers Skeeter and Vic. Guy was the emcee and main voice. They have been seen in many Columbia motion pictures and were the first group to back up Hank Williams. Known for the hit song "Give Me Forty Acres and I'll Turn This Rig Around."

Blasingame, Don Lee 'Blazer'
b. March 16, 1932 d. April 13, 2005
Major league Baseball Player. He played for 12 years starting in 1955 with the St. Louis Cardinals, then with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and Kansas City Athletics. He coached Baseball in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s winning over 180 games.

Parks, Larry (Samuel Lawrence Klausman)
b. December 13, 1914 d. April 13, 1975
American Actor. He was very busy at the beginning of his career, making thirty-three films between 1941 and 1945, mostly WWII home-front morale builders like “Hello, Annapolis,” “ Submarine Raider,” “Flight Lieutenant,” “Atlantic Convoy” (all 1942); “Reveille with Beverly,” “First Comes Courage,” “Destroyer” (all 1943); “Hey, Rookie” (musical, male lead opposite Ann Miller), “Stars on Parade” (another musical lead), “Sergeant Mike” (all 1944). Cause of death: Heart Attack.

Died On This Date

2009-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 12

Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
b. January 30, 1882 d. April 12, 1945
32nd US President. Cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, he graduated from Harvard and earned a law degree at Columbia University. He later became a democratic Senator for the state of New York. He was elected Governor of New York twice, 1928 and 1930. Elected president in 1932, he is the only president to have served more than 2 terms (he served for 12 years, until his untimely death in 1945, just before the end of WWII).

Barton, Clara
b. December 25, 1821 d. April 12, 1912
Founder of the American Red Cross (Angel of the Battlefield). Clara Barton was born on Christmas Day on a farm near Oxford, Massachusetts. She was a teacher and a government worker before heading off to minister the wounds of soldiers, often on bloody civil war battlefields. Barton was so close to the front lines at the Battle of Sharpsburg that a bullet passed through her clothes and killed the wounded soldier she was tending. Cause of death: Heart failure.

Robinson (Smith), Sugar Ray (Walker)
b. May 3, 1920 d. April 12, 1989
Welterweight and 5-time Middleweight Champion of the World. Robinson is hailed by fans and fighters alike as being, pound for pound, the greatest fighter in History. He earned the nickname Sugar Ray when a newspaper reporter described him as "sweet as sugar." He combined a dancers grace with a furious two fisted attack to defeat some of the top fighters of all time. In his 25 year career he took on a who's who of opponents. Cause of death: Alzheimer's disease.

Louis (Barrow), Joe 'The Brown Bomber'
b. May 13, 1914 d. April 12, 1981
Professional Boxer. Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1937 to 1949. He began his pro career in 1934, and by 1936 he had beaten such great heavyweights as Stanley Poreda, Natie Brown, and Rosco Toles. He was seemingly invincible, until his meeting with Max Schmeling on June 19, 1936. Schmeling was the underdog but, to the surprise of all, gave Joe Louis a stinging defeat by knocking him out in the 12th round. In 1937, he faced World Heavyweight Champion James J. Braddock in Chicago. Cause of death: Cardiac Arrest.

Poole, George Barney
b. October 29, 1923 d. April 12, 2005
All-American Football player and member of the College Football Hall of Fame. "Barney" Poole was the youngest of three Poole brothers who starred on the gridiron for Ole Miss. He was a member of the Ole Miss "Team of the Century," having followed brothers Buster and Ray to Ole Miss from their home near Gloster, MS. Barney earned All-American honors at Ole Miss in 1947 and 1948, setting NCAA records in 1947 for passes caught in a season (52) and receptions in a game (13).

Freed (Grossman), Arthur
b. September 9, 1894 d. April 12, 1973
Producer, Lyricist. Born Arthur Grossman in Charleston, South Carolina, he was raised in Seattle, Washington. After graduating high school, he moved to Illinois and worked as a pianist for a Chicago music publisher. During his time in Chicago, he met Minnie Marx, the mother of the Marx Brothers. She introduced Arthur to her sons, which led to his teaming with them and touring the vaudeville circuit as a singer and writer of musical material for the brothers.

Baker (Carson), Josephine (Freda)
b. June 3, 1906 d. April 12, 1975
Singer, entertainer. Easily the most successful Black woman of her time, Josephine was born Freda Carson into poverty in St. Louis, Missouri. Her ticket out was her comedic and dance abilities, which powered her rise to early American fame on Broadway. Tiring of performing in demeaning minstrel reviews, she jumped at the chance of a career in Paris where the Jazz Age fueled heady interest in the then sensual and exotic African-American culture. Cause of death: Cerebral hemorrhage

Willie (Martin), Boxcar (Lecil Travis)
b. September 1, 1931 d. April 12, 1999
Country and Folk Musician. Raised in a small home near the local railroad where he grew up playing guitar and fiddle, Lecil Martin joined the Air Force in 1949. After retiring from a twenty-seven year career where he served in the Korean War and logged over 10,000 flight hours, he continued the country music career he had begun in the service. Adopting the name Boxcar Willie after seeing a hobo in Lincoln, Nebraska (where he hosted both a television and a radio program), he centered his music. Cause of death: Leukemia.

Valles, Arlington
b. 1886 d. April 12, 1970
Motion picture costume designer of the 1930s through the 1960s. Born Frederick Arlington Valles, though his designs and film credits most always read 'Valles'.

Mills, Herbert
b. April 2, 1912 d. April 12, 1989
Member of the Mills Brothers singing group. He was a baritone who imitated the trumpet. Originally the brothers would perform in front of their father’s barbershop after school singing while Harry played the kazoo. First named as Four Boys and a Kazoo. At their debut at the Mays Opera house in 1924, Harry forgot his kazoo and improvised a trumpet sound with his mouth and hands. Eventually they became the first African-American group to have a major broadcast sponsor (Columbia).

Cutcheon, Byron Mac
b. May 11, 1836 d. April 12, 1908
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, US Congressman. Elected to represent Michigan's 9th District in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1883 to 1891. He was defeated in 1890. Also served as Presidential Elector from Michigan in 1868. During the Civil War he served as a Colonel in the Union Army and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1891 for action at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Kentucky, on May 10, 1863.

Hatch, John Porter
b. January 9, 1822 d. April 12, 1901
Civil War Union Brigadier General, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Oswego, New York, and graduated 17th in the West Point class of 1845; he was then assigned to the Mounted Rifles. He served meritoriously as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Mexican War, thereafter drawing garrison duty in Oregon, Texas, and New Mexico Territory until the Civil War began. In April 1861 he was ordered east from his post as commissary chief in the Department of New Mexico.

Southwick, Thomas Paine
b. 1837 d. April 12, 1892
Civil War Union Soldier, Historian. Served in the Civil War as a Sergeant on Company F, 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, a unit that was know as "Duryee Zouaves" after their first colonel, Abram Duryee. He was the author of the book "A Duryee Zouave."

Ford, Paul
b. November 2, 1901 d. April 12, 1976
Actor. A Tony-nominated character performer best known for his role as Colonel John Hall on "The Phil Silvers Show" (1955 to 1959). A stage actor from his 40s, he had numerous roles on television, including guest shots on "Love, American Style," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and in such films as "The Music Man" (1962), "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), and "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming" (1966). He died before being able to take the role of Principal McGree.

Lincoln, Sarah Bush
b. December 13, 1788 d. April 12, 1869
She became Abraham Lincoln's stepmother when he was nine - Sarah became a widow in 1816 left with three children while Thomas Lincoln became a widower in 1818 left with two children. He simply knocked on her door one day in Hardin County, Kentucky and proposed marriage. Quickly married, the second for both, Sarah age 31 and Thomas age 41, loaded up a wagon with Sara's things and headed for the Thomas' farm in Indiana. Abraham and his sister found out they had a new mother.

Stacpoole, Henry De Vere
b. April 9, 1863 d. April 12, 1951
Novelist. After qualifying as a doctor he sailed the world as a ship's physician. He was a prolific author, but achieved little financial success until his novel "The Blue Lagoon" (1908) proved immediately popular. It went through 23 editions through 1920 and was later made into a film.

Lynch, James Canning
b. January 16, 1840 d. April 12, 1901
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He first served in the Civil War as a Captain in the 106th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, then was detailed to be the Acting Inspector General on the staff of Brigadier General Alexander Hays. When that officer was killed in action at the Battle of the Wilderness, he joined the staff of Major General John Gibbon in the same capacity. Finally, he was promoted to Colonel and commander of the 183rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

Died On This Date

2009-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

April 11th
Merrick, Joseph Carey
b. August 5, 1862 d. April 11, 1890
Widely known as "The Elephant Man," also known by the name John Merrick. He suffered from Proteus Syndrome, a condition that caused his body to grotesquely deform from an early age. Chronically unemployed and shunned, he joined a freak show for a few years before happening upon the help of Dr. Frederick Treves who cared for him for the remainder of his life. His body was donated to medical science. His skeletal remains are at the Royal London Hospital, not accessible to the general public.

Rohlfs, Anna Katharine
b. November 11, 1846 d. April 11, 1935
Author. Her pen name was Anna Katharine Green. Wrote such books as "The Leavenworth Case," "The Doctor, His Wife and the Clock," "The Millionaire Baby," and many others.

Vander Pyl, Jean
b. October 11, 1919 d. April 11, 1999
Actress. She played the voice of 'Wilma' on the animated series "The Flinstones." Cause of death: Lung cancer.

Younce, George Wilson
b. February 22, 1930 d. April 11, 2005
Gospel Singer. Born near Lenoir, North Carolina, as a child he was considered a "natural" on stage. He sang lead with the "Spiritualaires till 1950", then he joined the military as a paratrooper, making over 30 jumps before leaving the Army. He then sang with the "The Watchmen" ,"The Weatherford Quartet", and the "Blue Ridge Quartet." He is best known for singing with the "Cathedral Quartet" which he joined in 1964. The "Cathedral Quartet" has earned 70 Singing News Fan Awards with 18 of them..

Sprague, Clifton A. 'Ziggy'
b. January 8, 1898 d. April 11, 1955
A Vice Admiral during World War II in the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He was commanding the ship USS Tangier on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by the Japanese. His heroism during the Battle off Samar in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and other battles resulted in him being given the Navy Cross. His nickname was "Ziggy." A US Navy frigate was named the USS Clifton Sprague after him. It saw duty from 1980 through 1996. Cause of death: Heart disease

Miller, Edward Monroe
b. December 10, 1919 d. April 11, 1977
Composer, Musician. He wrote the classic "Release Me" recorded by numerous artists, most notably Ray Price, Kitty Wells and Englebert Humperdink.

Bailey, James A.
b. 1847 d. April 11, 1906
Showman. With Phineas T. Barnum, he helped found "The Greatest Show On Earth.". As a boy, Bailey travelled with a circus. In 1872, he was made a partner in the Cooper & Bailey's Circus. The company toured the United States, Java, New Zealand and South America. In 1873 Cooper died and James Bailey soon joined up with Barnum. They toured for several years until Barnum died in 1891. Bailey took over the circus the same year.

Browne, Roscoe Lee
b. May 2, 1925 d. April 11, 2007
Actor. Rich-voiced, prolific character actor. He won an Emmy for his role as Dr. Barnabus Foster on "The Cosby Show" in 1986. Brown worked a great deal on the stage, including several Shakespearean roles, and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1992 for the August Wilson play "Two Trains Running." He had great success in many guest roles on television on shows like, "All in the Family," "Good Times," "Soap," "Highway to Heaven," and "Will and Grace."

Vonnegut Jr., Kurt
b. November 11, 1922 d. April 11, 2007
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was an American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973). Cause of death: Brain injury from a fall.

Matthews, Milton
d. April 11, 1896
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War as a Private in Company C, 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in the final Union assaults Petersburg, Virginia on April 2, 1865. His citation reads simply "Capture of flag of 7th Tennessee Infantry (C.S.A.)". Hid Medal was awarded to him on May 10, 1865. He was one of eight 61st Pennsylvania Infantry soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Civil War

Church, Francis Pharcellus
b. February 22, 1839 d. April 11, 1906
Journalist. As the editor at the "New York Sun". he wrote the famous editorial "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." The editorial appeared in print on September 21, 1897, as an answer to the question posed by eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon.

Lake, Florence
b. January 1, 1904 d. April 11, 1980
Actress. Real name Florence Silverlake. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, she is probably best remembered for her roles in a series of short films playing the wives of actor Edgar Kennedy. The short films ran until Kennedy's death in 1948. She was also the sister of actor Arthur Lake, best known for his role as Dagwood Bumstead of Blondie fame on television, radio, and in films. Lake's credit include the films, "New Year's Eve (1929), "Waltzing Around" (1929), "Romance" (1930).

Glennan, Dr. Thomas Keith
b. September 8, 1905 d. April 11, 1995
NASA's first Administator (1958 - 1961). Cause of Death: Stroke

Farwell, Leonard James
b. January 5, 1819 d. April 11, 1889
Wisconsin Governor. In 1840, he opened a wholesale hardware firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which eventually became one of the largest in the midwest. He purchased a hugh tract of land in Madison, Wisconsin in 1847 and was instrumental in laying out streets and erecting public buildings in that city. He took an active role in organizing the State Historical Society, the State Agricultural Society, the public school system, and the state university.

Robinson Jr., James William
b. August 30, 1940 d. April 11, 1966
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Robinson served as a Sergeant, United States Army, Company D, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded his medal for service at the Republic of Vietnam, on April 11, 1966. His citation reads-For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Company C was engaged in fierce combat with a Viet Cong battalion.

Yates Jr., Richard
b. December 12, 1860 d. April 11, 1936
22nd Illinois Governor, US Congressman. He served as Governor of Illinois from 1901 to 1904, and represented Illinois in the United States House of Representatives from 1919 to 1932. He was not renominated for his Congressional seat in 1928, but was appointed nominee and elected after the death of Henry R. Rathbone who had won the nomination. He was a graduate of Illinois College and the law deparment of the University of Michigan.

Pitsenbarger, William Hart
b. July 8, 1944 d. April 11, 1966
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Originally awarded the Air Force Cross, Congress subsequently upgraded his award to the Medal of Honor after a variety of eyewitness accounts of his valor were provided. It was presented to his parents on December 8, 2000 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "Pits" became the second Air Force enlisted member to earn the nation's highest honor.

Died On This Date

2009-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Main (Tomlinson), Marjorie (Marybelle)
b. February 24, 1890 d. April 10, 1975
Character Actress. She was born Marybelle Tomlinson on a farm near the town of Acton, Indiana. Mary's father was Rev Samuel Joseph Tomlinson a minister in the Church of Christ who did not approve of dramatics as a form of entertainment. She briefly attended Franklin college in Indiana but left to attend Hamilton School of Dramatic Expression in Lexington, Kentucky, telling her stern father she was preparing to become a teacher. Cause of death: Lung cancer.

Seaton, Thomas Gordon
b. August 30, 1887 d. April 10, 1940
Major League Baseball Player. He spent six seasons in the major leagues as a pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies, Brooklyn Tip-Tops, Newark Peppers and Chicago Cubs. Seaton made his big league debut in 1912 and appeared in 231 games, winning 93 and losing 65. He ended his career throwing 90 complete games with a lifetime 3.14 earned run average.

Kinison, Sam
b. December 8, 1953 d. April 10, 1992
Former Pentacostal preacher turned Comedian. Appeared in the movie 'Back to School' [1986] and was seen on 'Saturday Night Live'. While married to his third wife, Malika Souiri, Sam had cleaned up his life of booze and drugs. Ironically, he was killed in a car crash on his way to a show in Laughlin, Nevada. Malika was also seriously injured but survived. They were hit head on by a drunk driver. Cause of death: Automobile accident.

Nichols, William Thomas
b. March 24, 1829 d. April 10, 1882
Civil War Union Army Officer. Enlisted in the Union Army upon the outbreak of the Ciivl War as a Private in Company K, 1st Vermont Volunteer Infantry in May 9, 1861. He served in the unit until it was mustered out of service on August 25, 1861. Over a year later he was commissioned as Colonel and commander of the 14th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, a unit that was enlisted for 9-month service. He commanded the regiment from September 25, 1862 until it was mustered out on July 30, 1863.

Yellowhorse, Moses "Chief"
b. January 28, 1898 d. April 10, 1964
Major League Baseball Player. He is considered to be the first full-blooded American Indian to play in the big leagues. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound right-hander pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1921 and 1922 after compiling a 21-7 record with Little Rock in the Southern Association in 1920. He was 5-3 with a 2.98 earned run average during his first season. Soon it became apparent he was a carouser and heavy drinker. Pirates manager Bill McKechnie decided to room him with another free spirit.

Gibran, Kahlil
b. 1883 d. April 10, 1931
Author. He wrote "The Prophet". On April 10th 1931, Kahlil Gibran died at the age of forty-eight in a New York hospital, as the spreading cancer in his liver left him unconscious. In fulfillment of his dream, Gibran was buried in his hometown of Bsharri, Lebanon. The Lebanese Minister of Arts opened the coffins and honored his body with a decoration of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, Marianna and Mary started negotiating the purchase of the Carmelite monastery Gibran wished to obtain. Cause of death: Liver cancer.

Floyd, John
b. 1750 d. April 10, 1783
Revolutionary War Militia Officer, Frontiersman. Early figure in establishing Kentucky settlements; In July 1776 helped rescue three young girls kidnapped by Indians from Boonesborough, Virginia (later Kentucky) in group led by Daniel Boone. Commanded militia regiment for George Rogers Clark against British allied Indians in Ohio in the summer of 1780. Killed in ambush by Indians. Son John Floyd and grandson John both became governors of Virginia.

Linville, Larry
b. September 29, 1939 d. April 10, 2000
Actor. Well-known for his portrayal of 'Major Frank Burns' on the television series, M*A*S*H. Raised in Sacramento California, Larry Linville studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado, before he applied for a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He was one of only three Americans out of 300 applicants to win. Cause of death: Complications of pneumonia after treatment for cancer.

Died On This Date

2009-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Morgan, Ed
b. May 22, 1904 d. April 9, 1980
Major League Baseball Player. The first baseman-outfielder had a banner year with the Cleveland Indians in 1930, when he hit .349 in 150 games with 204 hits, 47 doubles, 11 triples, 26 homers, 136 runs batted in and 123 runs scored. The right-handed hitter also led the American League by striking out 66 times. The following year he batted .351, third in the league behind Al Simmons' .390 and Babe Ruth's .373, and had 33 doubles, 11 homers and 86 RBIs.

Moskala, Edward J.
b. November 6, 1921 d. April 9, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 383d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. On April 9, 1945 Pvt. Moskala’s unit’s attack on Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands was halted by enemy concentrated machinegun and mortar fire. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Pvt. Moskala charged 40 yards through withering, grazing fire and wiped out 2 machinegun nests.

Wright, Frank Lloyd
b. June 8, 1869 d. April 9, 1959
Architect. He designed office, hotel and museum buildings, as well as dwellings for rich and poor, that were constructed across America and internationally, some of which were controversial and impractical (such as New York’s Guggenheim Museum, which because of its futuristic design of curves and sweeps does not allow for space to exhibit paintings) The main concentration of his structures are located in Oak Park, Illinois, while other commissions were completed years after his death.

Bradford, William
b. 1590 d. April 9, 1657
Colonial Governor. An Englishman who came to the New World on the “Mayflower” in 1620, in England he became one of the religious separatists known as "Pilgrims" Born in Austerfield, Yorkshire, he was an autodidact who met in secret with the other followers of the religious movement who later sought refuge in Holland in 1608. When it was decided that the group would come to the new world it was Bradford that made the arrangements (1617) and in July of 1620, his group traveled to Southampton.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich
b. February 4, 1906 d. April 9, 1945
Memorial only. Lutheran priest and theologian, active anti-Nazi. Arrested 1943 and died in Flossenburg concentration camp.
York, James Edward "Lefty"
b. November 1, 1892 d. April 9, 1961
Major League Baseball Player. He was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1919. He appeared in two games and recorded losses for both, his first being against the Chicago White Sox. Two years later, he pitched for the Chicago Cubs appearing in 40 games mostly in relief. He started 10 games, overall recording five wins and losing nine.

Benton, Brook
b. September 19, 1931 d. April 9, 1988
Rhythm and Blues Musician. A native of Camden, South Carolina, he was born Benjamin Franklin Peay. Known for his baritone voice, he is best remembered for his hit recording of the song, ‘Rainy Night In Georgia,' which also became a hit for other recording artists. Also a noted songwriter with writer and producer Clyde Otis, he began his recording career in the early 1950s while touring the gospel circuit.

Stargell, Wilver Dornel 'Willie'
b. March 6, 1940 d. April 9, 2001
Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Player. Known as "Pops," he was the National League co-Most Valuable Player in 1979, when he led the Pittsburgh Pirates to the World Series championship. Cause of death: Stroke brought on by Kidney disorder.

Smyth, Thomas Alfred
b. December 25, 1832 d. April 9, 1865
Civil War Union Brigadier General. Enlisted as member of the 24th Pennsylvania Infantry, a six-month unit in 1861. After is was mustered out he was appointed Major of the 1st Delaware Volunteer Infantry, advancing to its Lieutenant Colonel in December 1862 and Colonel and commander in February 1863. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg (where he commanded a brigade). He was promoted to Brigadier General, US Volunteers in October 1864.

Kelley, Leverett Mansfield
b. September 28, 1841 d. April 9, 1924
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He earned his Medal on November 25, 1863, while serving as Sergeant of Company A, 36th Illinois Infantry, at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. His citation reads: Sprang over the works just captured from the enemy, and calling upon his comrades to follow, rushed forward in the face of a deadly fire and was among the first over the works on the summit, where he compelled the surrender of a Confederate officer and received his sword.

Hitchcock, Billy
b. July 31, 1916 d. April 9, 2006
Major League Baseball Player, Manager. The utility infielder played nine years in the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers (1942, 1946), the Washington Senators (1946), the St. Louis Browns (1947), the Boston Red Sox (1948 to 1949), the Philadelphia Athletics (1950 to 1952) and the Tigers (1953). He was a baseball and football star at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn). The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hitchcock was an All-Southern Conference tailback who scored on a 40-yard run as Auburn.

Kilbourne, James
b. October 19, 1770 d. April 9, 1850
US Congressman. This Episcopalian minister with an adventuresome spirit played a key role in the development of the Northwest Territory in the early 1800's. Born in New Britain, Connecticut, he moved west at around the age of thirty to help find land for a trading company he helped establish. While in the Northwest Territory he reportedly completed the first map of Ohio and found desirable land for his business venture but did not purchase it right away fearing that Ohio could become a "slave state".

Booker, Robert D.
b. July 11, 1920 d. April 9, 1943
Congressional Medal of honor recipient. Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Fondouk, Tunisia, 9 April 1943. Entered service at: Callaway, Nebr. Born: 11 July 1920, Callaway, Nebr. G.O. No.: 34, 25 April 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy. Cause of death: Killed in action.

Frost, Elizabeth Hollister
b. March 1, 1887 d. April 9, 1958
Poet, Author. Elizabeth Hollister was born in Rochester, New York along with a twin sister Harriet Weed Hollister Spencer. She was the daughter of Emily Weed Hollister (1857-1932) and George C. Hollister (died 1932). Interesting mention is they were family friends of Susan B Anthony. She was married to Elliott Park Frost who was a professor of psychology at the U. of Rochester on June 3, 1916.

Died On This Date

2009-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Picasso, Pablo
b. October 25, 1881 d. April 8, 1973
Artist. Considered one of the most important artists of all time, he created hundreds of works of art encompassing paintings, statues and sculptures. Well-known is the picture "Guernica," which shows his protest against acts of violence and war. Leaving Spain as a refugee, he lived and created mostly in France. His grave is decorated with his own sculpture "Woman with the Vase" (1933), shown during the World exhibition of 1937 in Paris.

Bradley, Omar Nelson
b. February 12, 1893 d. April 8, 1981
United States General of the Army. His rank of 5-Star General was tthe American equivalent of the European rank of Field Marshal. The last surviving 5-star officer, during World War II, he commanded the Twelfth Army Group (later called the Central Army Group), the largest fighting force every amassed under an American Flag. It numbered 40 divisions and over 1,000,000 men. He served 69 years on active duty. Born in Clark, Missouri, he entered the United States Military Academy in August 1911.

White, Ryan
b. December 6, 1971 d. April 8, 1990
AIDS Victim, he gained national attention for the disease and its victims, helping to education the public on its causes, it's treatment and the risks associated with the disease. During the period from 1986 to 1989, he became the national poster boy about the problems of the disease and helped remove the public stigmatisms associated with it. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, Ryan was the son of Hubert Wayne and Elaine Hale White.

Woolworth, Frank Winfield
b. April 13, 1852 d. April 8, 1919
Businessman.

Benedict, George Grenville
b. December 10, 1826 d. April 8, 1907
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Civil War as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company C, 12th Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during his brigade's celebrated flank attack on Pickett's Charge during the Third Day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 3, 1863). His citation reads "Passed through a murderous fire of grape and canister in delivering orders and re-formed the crowded lines".

Johnson, Ben
b. June 13, 1918 d. April 8, 1996
Actor. He is best remembered for his role of Sam the Lion in "The Last Picture Show" (1971), for which he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Born in Foraker, Oklahoma, his father, Ben Johnson, Senior, was a cattleman and rancher in Osage County, Oklahoma, as well as a champion rodeo steer roper. Naturally, young Ben would follow in the footsteps of his father, learning how to work a ranch and going on the rodeo circuit. Young Ben was soon a rodeo star in his own right. Cause of death: Heart attack.

O'Neil, George Michael 'Mickey'
b. April 12, 1900 d. April 8, 1964
Professional Baseball Player. O'Neil was a catcher for the 1919-1925 Boston Braves, the 1926 Brooklyn Robins, and the 1927 Washington Senators and New York Giants.

Michael, Don Leslie
b. July 31, 1947 d. April 8, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He served as a Specialist Fourth Class (Rifleman) in the US Army in Company C, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action in the Republic of Vietnam on April 8, 1967. He was KILLED IN ACTION. His citation reads in part "Undaunted, Sp4c Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades.

Anderson, Marian
b. February 27, 1897 d. April 8, 1993
Opera Singer, Social Reformer. A classical music pioneer and Opera Singer, she was a contralto known for her wide-ranging repertory of art songs, opera arias, and spirituals. She was one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the eldest of three daughters. She first developed her musical ability at the Union Baptist Church of Philadelphia where she joined the junior choir at age 6 and the senior choir at 13.

Nyiregyhazi, Ervin
b. January 19, 1903 d. April 8, 1987
Pianist, Composer. A Hungarian born prodigy whose early talents were compared to those of Mozart, Saint-Saens, and Liszt. He demonstrated his musical gifts as early as two years of age, and gave his first public performance at age six. By the time he was 12 he had played at Buckingham Palace and appeared as soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic. In 1920 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall. Beginning in 1929, Nyiregyházi began working for United Artists and other studios.

Otis, Elisha Graves
b. August 3, 1811 d. April 8, 1861
Inventor. Invented the safety brake for elevators that prevented the car from falling, in the event the cables broke. This allowed the construction of skyscrapers.

Root, Augustus I.
d. April 8, 1865
Civil War Union Army Officer. The son of an officer who fought in the War of 1812, he entered the Union Army on May 15, 1861, when he received a commission of Captain and commander of Company K, 12th New York Volunteer Infantry. He fought with the unit until the 2nd Battle of Bull Run (August 30, 1862), when he was wounded. Upon his recovery in September 1862, he was advanced to Major of the regiment, and, after the December 1862 Fredericksburg Campaign, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Smith, Thomas Church Haskell
b. March 24, 1819 d. April 8, 1897
Civil War Union Brigadier General.

Died On This Date

2009-04-07T04:46:00.001-07:00

Ford, Henry
b. July 30, 1863 d. April 7, 1947
Pioneer Industrialist. Founder of the Ford Motor Company. He was a Midwestern farm boy with a grammar school education who rose to become the world's largest auto manufacturer. In an era when automobiles were hand-crafted luxury items, he developed the mass-produced Model T, the first car the average person could afford. In the process he revolutionized industry and greatly changed the way of life in the United States.

Barnum, Phineas T.
b. July 5, 1810 d. April 7, 1891
Legendary 19th Century American showman and circus promoter. Best remembered for founding the first modern three-ring circus, which also would eventually became the biggest and most important circus in the world, the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. He was born Phineas Taylor Barnum on July 5, 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut, the oldest of five children of an inn and store-keeper.

Hart, Johnny
b. February 18, 1931 d. April 7, 2007
Cartoonist. In 1958, he created and launched the newspaper comic strip B.C. The strip, which features a caveman named B.C. and his prehistoric cohorts, has remained popular for five decades. His multi–award winning cartoon is enjoyed daily by more than 100 million readers in world wide syndication. He has lent his characters to promote many agencies and activities, including the Broome Dusters hockey team, BC Transit, Broome County Parks and the professional golf tournament which became the B.C.

Clark, Jim 'The Flying Scot'
b. March 4, 1936 d. April 7, 1968World renowned race driver. Clark was a two-time Formula One Grand Prix champion in 1963and 1965. He was also a five-time veteran of the Indianapolis 500. He finished second in his first 500 in 1963. He won the pole position and had a big lead during the 1964 race, but was a victim of a mechanical failure. He won the 1965 classic and again finished second in 1966. A commemorative banner in his honor was first displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September 2001. Cause of death: Racing accident.

Taurog, Norman
b. February 23, 1899 d. April 7, 1981
Academy Award-winning Motion Picture Director. During a career which spanned the 1920s through 1960s, he won an Oscar as Best Director for the 1931 film "Skippy," which starred Jackie Cooper (Taurog's nephew). He also directed several films starring Elivs Presley, including "G.I. Blues" (1960), "Blue Hawaii" (1961), "Girls! Girls! Girls!" (1962), "It Happened at the World's Fair" (1963), "Tickle Me" (1965).

Private John D. Putnam
d. April 7, 1864
Private John D. Putnam served in the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the Battle of Shiloh on April 7th, 1862 near the 'Hornet's Nest' which was near what is called 'The Sunken Road'. His comrades initially buried him at the base of a tree, carving his name and unit into the bark (JD Putnum, Co. F14 WV). After the battle Putnum was interred at Shiloh National Military Cemetery. In 1901 the Wisconsin Shiloh Memorial Commission was formed to locate a spot where the formal..

Parrish, Noel Francis
b. November 11, 1909 d. April 7, 1987
Brig General Parrish was the White commander of the all-black Tuskegee Airman. Organized and directed the military's first systematic effort to train black pilots for combat duty durning World War II. The General was instrumental in planning the integration of the armed forces in later years.

Huston, Walter
b. April 6, 1894 d. April 7, 1950
Actor, father of John Huston and grandfather of Anjelica Huston. Won Best Supporting Oscar for "The Treasure of The Sierra Madre" (1948). According to Lawrence Grobel's book "The Hustons," his ashes went unclaimed for more than twenty years. John Huston finally found them in a Manhattan funeral home and buried them at Walter Ranch in Porterville. In 1973, after Huston's second wife, Nan, died, John had them buried next to her in a cemetery in Fresno, California.

Shea, Charles W.
b. December 24, 1921 d. April 7, 1994
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during World War II in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Mount Damiano, Italy, on May 12, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened.fire.

Knaak, Albert
d. April 7, 1897
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Switzerland, he served during the Wars against the Plains Indians as a Private in Company B, 8th United States Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave service in Arizona from August to October 1868. His citation reads "Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians". His Medal was awarded to him on July 24, 1869. He was severely injured when he was thrown from his horse at Fort Meade, Dakota Territory.

Leverette, William L.
b. September 5, 1913 d. April 7, 2003
World War II American Fighter Ace. As a major in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, he was one of only two American pilots to shoot down seven aircraft in a single encounter with the enemy. He ended the war with a total of eleven victories, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Jordan, Marian 'Molly McGee'
b. November 16, 1896 d. April 7, 1961
Actress and Radio personality. She is best remembered in the comic role of Molly McGee of "Fibber McGee and Molly" (1935-1959) fame. She and her real life husband, Jim Jordan, would pair together for the rest of their lives as comic actors. She was born Marian Driscoll in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of coal miner Daniel and Anna Driscoll. As a teenager and young adult, she gave music lessons and sang in the choir at her Catholic Church.

Tucker, Dan
b. February 14, 1740 d. April 7, 1818
American Folk Figure. He was the "Old Dan Tucker" of the United States folk song by Daniel Decatur Emmett. The most memorial lines of the song go "Now old Dan Tucker's fine old man, Washed his face in a frying pan, Combed his hair with a wagon wheel, And died of a toothache in his heel..."

Palmer, George Henry
b. April 16, 1841 d. April 7, 1901
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Civil War as a Musician with the 1st Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Lexington, Missouri on September 20, 1861. His citation reads "Volunteered to fight in the trenches and also led a charge which resulted in the recapture of a Union hospital, together with Confederate sharpshooters then occupying the same". His Medal was issued to him on March 20, 1896.

Died On This Date

2009-04-06T04:18:00.002-07:00

Wynette (Pugh), Tammy (Virginia Wynette)
b. May 5, 1942 d. April 6, 1998
Country Singer. Known as the “First Lady Of Country Music”, she recorded several number one hits, such as "Stand By Your Man" and "Divorce." In 1969 she married singer George Jones and began a partnership that was musically rewarding but often personally stormy. As a duo they would also record many top 10 hits as "Golden Ring" and "We're Gonna Hold On." They divorced in 1975. She was last married to songwriter-producer George Richey. During her 5 marriages she had 6 children. Cause of death: Blood Clot (Died in her sleep)

Garson, Greer
b. September 29, 1904 d. April 6, 1996
Actress. Greer Garson was beautiful, bright and most of all strong - strong enough to make Laurence Olivier wither in "Pride and Prejudice," and Walter Pidgeon to back down in their multiple, memorable pairings. Yet when she joined her strength to theirs and others, she became the symbol of a nation unconquered by Adolf Hitler. Born in London to father who died two years later, Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson received a fine education and gave up her dreams of becoming a teacher when the stage. Cause of death: Heart failure

Robinson Jr., James E.
b. July 10, 1918 d. April 6, 1945
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in in Toledo, Ohio, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 861st Field Artillery Battalion, 63rd Infantry Division, U S Army. On April 6, 1945, Lieutenant Robinson was a field artillery observer attached to Company A, 253rd Infantry, at Untergriesheim, Germany. After eight hours of fighting the company lost its commanding officer and nearly all of its enlisted men. Lieutenant Robinson took over command of the unit, led his men in a charge.

Asimov, Isaac
b. January 2, 1920 d. April 6, 1992
Author, Scientist. Born in Petrovichi, Russia, his family relocated to New York in 1923, where his father operated a series of candy stores in Brooklyn. He developed a deep fascination with the science fiction genre, and became a legend and a giant in the genre as an author. Beginning with stories sold to magazines by the late 1930s, he maintained an incredibly prolific writing career, publishing hundreds of books. Not content to merely write about science, he earned a doctorate in biochemistry.

Conroy, Frank
b. January 15, 1936 d. April 6, 2005
Author. His celebrated 1967 book, "Stop-Time," an unsentimental chronicle of his painfully nomadic, episodic childhood, became the basis for modern confessional memoirs. His work appeared in The New Yorker, Esquire, GQ, Harper's Magazine and Partisan Review; many of these stories were collected in "Dogs Bark, But the Caravan Rolls On." His final book, published in 2004, was "Time and Tide," a personal tour of the history and landscape of his cherished second home, Nantucket Island. Cause of death: Colon cancer.

Murphy, Raymond Gerald
b. January 14, 1930 d. April 6, 2007
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Second Lieutenant Murphy received the nations highest military honor for his actions during the Korean conflict on the night of February 2-3, 1953. His Citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953.

Sheppard, Sam (Samuel Holmes)
b. December 29, 1923 d. April 6, 1970
Osteopath, Professional Wrestler. Sam Sheppard was tried and convicted of killing his wife Marilyn in a Cleveland suburb. It unleased a fifty year odyssey that shattered his prominent family and finally culminated in a foolhardy trial to force the State of Ohio to pay millions in compensation for false imprisonment. In a trial with world wide scrutiny and attention, he was convicted of second-degree murder and served ten..

Read, Theodore
b. April 11, 1835 d. April 6, 1865
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. An 1854 graduate of Indiana University, he practiced law prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. He entered the service as a private in the 12th Illinois Infantry but was soon commissioned and served in various staff positions finally becoming lieutenant colonel, assistant adjutant general and chief of staff of the Army of the James. Read was brevetted brigadier general September 29, 1864 "for gallantry before the enemy".

Peabody, Everret
b. 1828 d. April 6, 1862
Civil War Union Army Officer. On April 6 1862 the Battle of Shiloh began with the Confederate Forces of Gen. A.S. Johnston's Army of the Mississippi attacking Union General Ulysses S Grant's Army of the Tennessee. By 9am that morning General Benjamin Prentiss, a division commander in General Grant's Army, organized a defensive stand along a sunken road that became known as "The Hornets Nest".

Harris (Pastor), Laura Ellen
b. September 10, 1913 d. April 6, 2001
Versatile musician, classical violinist. Toured the world with "all girl" swing bands in the 1930s and 40s.

Berlitz, Maximilian (David Berlitzheimer)
b. April 14, 1852 d. April 6, 1921
Educator. He was the founder of the Berlitz Language Schools. Born David Berlitzheimer in the village of Mühringen at the edge of the Black Forest in southwest Germany. his father was a village cantor and Jewish religious teacher. In 1872, he came to Rhode Island where he worked for a while as a private language teacher in Westerly before accepting a permanent position as a teacher of French and German at the Warner Polytechnical College in Providence.

Fiske, Bradley Allen
b. June 13, 1854 d. April 6, 1942
United States Navy Admiral, Inventor. He graduated from Annapolis in 1874 and devoted his entire US Navy career to the invention of instruments for shipboard use. He served in the Spanish-American War, receiving many citations as navigating officer in the Battle of Manila Bay. For his technical innovations, he was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1911. He holds over sixty patents for Navy devices used world wide.

Skaggs Jr., Luther
b. March 3, 1923 d. April 6, 1976
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as squad leader with a mortar section of a rifle company in the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 -22 July 1944.

Died On This Date

2009-04-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

April 5th

Heston (Carter), Charlton (John Charles)
b. October 4, 1923 d. April 5, 2008
Actor. A Hollywood legend, he became a superstar playing larger-than-life characters, from Moses to Michaelangelo, in big screen epics of the 1950s and 1960s. He won an Academy Award for his powerful performance in the title role of "Ben-Hur" (1959). Born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois, he caught the acting bug as a teen and took on the pseudonym Charlton Heston (borrowed from his mother's maiden name and his stepfather's surname) as a drama major at Northwestern University.

MacArthur, Douglas
b. January 26, 1880 d. April 5, 1964
United States World War II General of the Army (5 stars). Fought in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. His awards include the Medal of Honor, 3 Distinguished Service Crosses, 4 Distinguished Service Medals, 7 Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star (with V for Valor) and 2 Purple Hearts). He was one of the youngest General officers in modern US history. He and his father are the first father-son Medal of Honor recipients in US history.

Hughes, Howard
b. December 24, 1905 d. April 5, 1976
Academy Award-winning producer and director, aviator and businessman. Howard Hughes was born in Houston on December 24, 1905 to wealthy parents. His father had invented a revolutionary new oil drilling bit that was able to cut cleaner through rock; as a result, he made a fortune during the exploding Texas oil boom years. Howard was brought up into the business, studied at Rice University, and when his father passed away in 1924, he inherited the Hughes Tool Company at the age of 19.

Snodgrass, Fred
b. October 19, 1887 d. April 5, 1974
Professional Baseball Player. He played the outfield, mostly center field, for the New York Giants from 1908-1915 and appeared in three losing World Series from 1911-13. In the 1911 Series, he hit just .105 and was hitless in his final 14 at-bats as the Philadelphia Athletics won in six games. The following year he hit just .212 as the Boston Red Sox survived in eight games (Game 2 had ended in a tie and was called by darkness).

Cobain, Kurt
b. February 20, 1967 d. April 5, 1994
Rock Musician. He was the singer and guitarist for the seminal grunge band "Nirvana." His death is officially listed as suicide, but many controversial aspects of his death suggest that he may have been murdered. Born in Hoquiam, Washington, he had an apparently happy childhood, until his parents, Donald and Wendy Fradenburg Cobain, divorced. Constantly placed with one relative after another, he became a recluse, withdrawn and anti-social in high school. In 1986, he formed the band, "Nirvana".

Pitney, Gene
b. February 17, 1940 d. April 5, 2006
Rock Musician. A native of Rockville, Connecticut, he is best remembered for his memorable recordings of such songs as, 'A Town Without Pity,' 'Only Love Can Break A Heart,' Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa,' 'It Hurts To Be In Love,' and 'I'm Gonna be Strong.' He also recorded, 'She's A Heartbreaker,' 'Mecca,' '(I Wanna) Love My Love Away,' 'Half Heaven, Half Heartache,' and the gunfighter ballad, 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.' Pitney who began his music career in 1961.

Staley, Layne
b. August 22, 1967 d. April 5, 2002Rock Musician. Vocalist for the Seattle band "Alice In Chains." He was born in Kirkland, Washington on August 22, 1967. At age 12 he started playing drums and soon he was in various glam bands. He traded in his drum set for a microphone and p.a. when he was 15. He started playing with different garage bands for a while and then one night at a party Layne met future Alice in Chains guitar player, Jerry Cantrell. Cantrell knew Alice's original bass player Mike Starr who was interested and hooked. Cause of death: Drug overdose.

Janeway, Hugh H.
b. November 14, 1842 d. April 5, 1865
Civil War Union Army Officer. He served as Colonel and commander of the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry.

Stingley, Darryl
b. September 18, 1951 d. April 5, 2007
Professional Football Player. He was a wide receiver for five seasons (1973 to 1977) in the National Football League with the New England Patriots. He was named to the All-NFL Rookie Team, in 1973. His best year was in 1976 when he had 39 receptions for 657 yards with 5 touchdowns. Stingley's career came to a sudden and tragic end when he was paralyzed during a preseason game in 1978. In 60 career games, he had 110 receptions for 1,883 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Walton, Sam
b. March 29, 1918 d. April 5, 1992
Businessman. After graduating from the University of Missouri, he began his career as a retail merchant when he opened the first of several franchises of the Ben Franklin five-and-dime franchises in Arkansas. He opened his first Wal-Mart store in 1962; specializing in name-brands at low prices, the chain of Wal-Mart stores sprang up across rural America. His management style was popular with employees and helped to spur growth, taking the company public in 1970.

Messick, Dale
b. April 11, 1906 d. April 5, 2005
Cartoonist. Born Dalia Messic in Southbend, Indiana, she started her career in comics in the mid-1920s. She is remembered for her creation "Brenda Starr, Reporter," which became her biggest success. Based on Rita Hayworth, this comic book became a film in 1989, starring by Brooke Shields. She retired in 1980. She received the National Cartoonist Society's Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

Harvey, Harry
b. June 4, 1873 d. April 5, 1929
Philippine Insurrection Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Insurrection in the Philippines as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on February 16, 1900. His citation reads “Served in battle against the enemy at Benictican. Throughout this action and in the presence of the enemy, Harvey distinguished himself by meritorious conduct”. His Medal was awarded to him on July 19, 1901.

Dewert, Richard David
b. November 17, 1931 d. April 5, 1951
Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Dewert served as a Hospital Corpsman, United States Navy. Hospital Corpsman attached to Marine infantry company, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service in Korea, on April 5, 1951. 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 HC, in action against enemy aggressor forces.

Donlevy, Brian (Waldo)
b. February 9, 1901 d. April 5, 1972
Actor. Known for roles in "Destry Rides Again," "Wake Island," "Jesse James," and "Five Golden Dragons" to name a few. Cause of death: Throat cancer.