Lettice Knolleys, 1540 – 1634, British Noblewoman and Cousin of Elizabeth I

She was born to Sir Francis Knolleys and Lady Catherine Carey. Her mother was Elizabeth I’s first cousin and chief Lady of the Bedchamber. However Lettice’s childhood was uneventful until Mary I took over in 1553. The Knolleys were forced to go into hiding to Basel and then Frankfurt. After Mary I’s death, they returned to England. By this point however Elizabeth had started her eventual 45 year reign. Apparently she was always jealous of her young cousin Lettice. This becomes a growing problem as the years roll on. At this time Lettice was just one of Elizabeth’s maids of honour. Lettice was very popular and beautiful which Elizabeth resented.

In 1560, Lettice married Walter Devereax. They had 5 children. In 1572, Walter was appointed to the Lord Deputy in Ireland and served a tour. Shortly after the first, he did a second tour as Earl Marshal in Ireland. The family never travelled with him. Starting in 1565, there are records of flirtatiousness between Lettice and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. They officially started having an affair in 1575 while Walter was away. A year later, Walter died of dysentery. It’s suspected that Robert poisoned him but according to medical records of the time, “all his inwarde parts were sound.” The affair continued, resulting in Lettice pregnant and two secret weddings, one in Kenilworth and the other in Wanstead. Their son, Robert, was born after 4 months of marriage. They kept this a secret, the marriage and baby, from Elizabeth for over a year.

A French ambassador leaked it to the queen, who was rather irate. Lettice was banned from the court and only returned once for a private interview with the queen. Lettice’s youngest, Robert, died in 1584. He was 5. Robert Dudley died three years later. Dudley made her the sole executrix of his will. He was in great debt. As a result Elizabeth forced her to sell off their property. Her other son, Robert Devereax, the new Earl of Essex, introduced her to his buddy Christopher Blout. Lettice and Chris were married in 1589.

Elizabeth banned her cousin from the courts even when her son, Robert Devereax, was in prison. Chris, Lettice, and their family were under house arrest in Essex. They tried to escape but failed. Christopher Blout and Robert Devereax were caught and executed. Lettice died on Christmas day in 1634.

German Riescro, 1854 – 1916, Chilean President from 1901 to 1906

German was born to Mauricio Riescro Droguett and Carlota Errazuriz. His father was a Spanish merchant. His mother was the sister of Federico Errazuriz, Chilean President from 1871 to 1876. After graduating from the National Institute, he attended the University of Chile in 1875 he started a judicial career. He started out as an Officer of Member, then Senior Officer in Ministry of Justice and Public Instruction. He rose through the ranks and built a remarkable reputation. He retired in 1898. German was elected Senator of Talca in 1900 as the Liberal Party candidate. He was so popular that he was nominated and became the Liberal presidential candidate for the 1901 election. The Conservative party had Pedro Montt running against him. German swept the election with 184 votes, 68.91% and Pedro Montt had only 83 votes, 31.09%.

German was in office in from September 18, 1901 to September 18, 1906. His presidential career was marked with social unrest, including the Meat Riots. This was a protest where the poor from Santiago led a strike against the rising price of meat. 26 people died and many others were injured. In 1906, an earthquake ravaged Chile. Riescro stepped down and gave power over to Pedro Montt. German retired from politics and died in 1916.

Mark Twain, 1835 – 1910, Writer

Mr. Twain was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri. Lil Sammy was the 6^th of 7 children. The Clemens family moved to Hannibal, Missouri when he was 4. He spent his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm hanging out with the slaves. His father passed away when he was 11 causing him to leave school and work. He became a printer’s assistant.

Seven years later he moved to the East Coast. Mr. Clemens worked for various newspapers in New York City and Philadelphia. In 1857, he moved back to Missouri to become a steamboat captain. The Civil War broke out, drying up business so he joined a volunteer Confederate troop, the Marion Rangers. He quit two weeks later. Post-war he moved to Virginia City, Nevada. He tried and failed to be a silver prospector. Again he turned to writing for newspapers. This was where the name Mark Twain was first used. He shortly after moved to San Francisco, where he became a national sensation. It was a short story titled, Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog. He wrote a travel report on the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) for the Sacramento Union. This was so popular he did a national lecture tour. Around this time he travelled to Europe and the Holy Land.

On this trip he met Charles Langdon.  Chuck showed Mr. Twain a photo of his sister Olivia Langdon. A few years later in 1870, Olivia and Mr. Twain were married. They had 4 children, Langdon, Susy, Jean, and Clara. They moved to Hartford, Connecticut. They stayed for 17 years. This is where his career exploded however this was marred by poor investments. His son, Langdon, died in 1872. He filed for bankruptcy in 1891. During this time he wrote Huckleberry Finn, the first book published by his own publishing house.

To make money again he did a worldwide lecture tour. He and his wife traveled the world for the reminder of years. She died in 1904. His only child to outlive him was Clara. Mr. Twain passed away in 1910 from a heart attack. He had approximately $471,000 which is equal to $12,000,000 in today’s money.

Napoleon Bonaparte, 1769 – 1821, French Emperor

Napoleon tried and failed to conquer the world. He was also not that short among many other things.

George Bernard Shaw, 1856 – 1950, Playwright

The legendary playwright came from odd beginnings. His parents were, Lucinda Elizabeth Shaw – a professional singer, and George Carr Shaw – a failed corn merchant turned civil servant. His father had a squint that Oscar Wilde’s father, a prominent surgeon, tried to fix. Lucinda was trained by Vandeleur Lee. When George Bernard was about 16, his mother ran away with Vandeleur Lee to London. Bernard remained in Dublin with his father while his sister left with Lucinda. He reluctantly finished school and briefly became a clerk.

In 1876, he moved to London with his mother and sister to focus on becoming a writer. He trained vigorously to overcome his stutter via socialist meetings, soapboxes and other methods.

He with Beatrice and Sidney Webb founded the Fabian society, which played parts on establishing the Labour Party and London School of Economics in 1891. Bernard became a critic for art, music and theatre at this time using the name Corno di Bassetto.

His first play, Widower’s Houses, was finished in 1891. Over the next decade he wrote 12 more plays but none were produced in London. A few were produced abroad, Arms and the Man, and Mrs. Warren’s Profession. In 1898 he moved out of his mom’s house and married Charlotte Payne-Townsend. Harley Granville Barker became the new manager of Court Theatre in Chelsea and produced Shaw’s plays locally. The only play at this time that wasn’t produced by Barker was Pygmalion. He finally made it as a writer and was making money but WW1 happened. He criticized the war and was lambasted and austrized by the public. Only one play was written in this time, Heartbreak House. In 1920s his creative spark was awakened again and his career recovered. In 1925, Bernard was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. His plays were produced worldwide and became an international celebrity.

He fell off a ladder in 1950 and died from the injuries.

Judy Garland, 1922 – 1969, Actress and Cultural Icon

Ms. Garland was born Frances Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Some MGM releases state that she was born in 1923 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee but these are false. Frances was the 3^rd of 3 girls. Each one had a nickname, Mary Jane aka Susy, Doronthy Virginia aka Jimmie, and Frances Ethel aka Baby. She was Baby Gumm until 1934 when she changed her name to Judy Garland. She liked the peppy sound of the name Judy. She first performed at 2 and a half singing and dancing at a Christmas pageant at her parents’ theatre.

Judy made her film debut in 1929 in the film, Starlet Revue (also titled The Big Revue). That same year the sisters appeared in several MGM shorts. In 1935, she signed with MGM after her eldest sister married. She attended the Metro school with Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lana Turner. She was regarded as ugly compared to fellow MGM actresses. This had a lasting effect on her for the rest of her life. She appeared in a few movies and in 1938 did The Wizard of Oz. She did not suddenly become a super star. Under her contract at MGM, she was required to do a variety of things besides act. She made public appearances, recorded albums, toured theatres, visited soldiers, among other things. She was already very popular and during the late 1930s received the most fan mail at MGM.

In 1950 she left MGM due to being overworked and failing health. She continued making movies and touring but her health was a constant problem. In 1963, Ms. Garland received two Oscar nominations. Over the years she was married several times. In 1969 the IRS took her home and was forced to work despite her health. She was found in her latest husband’s bathroom. Over the course of a mere 47 years, she became a beloved cultural icon. There will never be another Judy Garland.

William the Bastard, 1028 – 1087, Norman King of England

William the Bastard better known as William the Conquer was the son of Robert I of Normandy and Herleve or Arlette, a tanner’s daughter. Since he wasn’t of noble birth, he was not in the line of succession. His father died when he was 7 so his uncle took over raising him. He became a soldier and was knighted at 15. He rose through the ranks and became known as a brilliant tactician and powerful warrior. William played a large in unifying Normandy.

Even though he came from less than stellar beginnings he was beloved by the Normans. He married Mathilda of Flanders in 1051. That same year his cousin, Edward the Confessor, the King of England, had promised William the throne when he died. However in 1064 Harold II took the English throne and not William. Not only had Edward broken his promise but William had the support of the Pope and Emperor Henry IV. William prepped for an English invasion for the next 7 months. Harold assumed that this was another petty Norman invasion and didn’t take it seriously. At the Battle of Senlac Hill, Harold II was struck with an arrow then sliced by a cavalry soldier. 2 of Harold’s brothers died in the battle also. William’s Norman army crushed the dispirited English.

William was crowned king of England in 1066, the first Norman king. Later in life, King Philip of France called him fat. William was so hurt that he started a liquor and wine diet to lose weight. It didn’t work. He conquered a lot during his 21 year reign. His abdomen apparently exploded during his funeral and people ran away to escape the smell.

Maureen O’Hara, 1922 – Now, “Queen of Technicolor”

Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara wasn’t always the magnetic screen goddess. She was born in Dublin, Ireland as Maureen FitzSimons. She was the 2^nd of 6 children. Her mother was an actress and opera singer and father, a businessman. Maureen had the performance bug very early. She attended the Abbey Theatre School and graduated in 1937.

Shortly after she moved to London and relatively quickly got cast in a film. However it was never produced but Charles Laughton noticed her. He suggested the name change which she did. Her first film was the Hitchcock film, Jamaica Inn. It received mediocre reviews but she was a highlight.

Charles Laughton continued helping her out and encouraged her to sign with RKO Studios. During this time she starred in Miracle on 34^th Street. In the 1950s she co-starred with John Wayne in a variety of films. She had steady work until 1971 when she took a hiatus that lasted 20 years. She was married 3 times. Her last husband, Charles F. Blair Jr., was the first pilot to make a solo flight across the Arctic Ocean and North Pole. Maureen is still living in the United States.

Otto the 2nd, 955 – 983, Holy Roman Emperor

Otto the Red is the son of Otto the Great, 912 – 973. When Otto the Red was 6, he was made joint ruler. 6 years later he was made co-emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope John XIII. Otto the Red helped his father on military campaigns. He married Theophanu, niece of the Eastern Roman Emperor John I Tzimisces. Otto the Great died in 973 giving him the throne. His brief rein was packed with military and political intrigue but cut short. His son Otto III took over as a 3 year old.

Florence Nightingale, 1820 – 1910, Nurse and Social Reformer

Though mostly known for nursing she was also a statistician. William and Frances Nightingale named their daughters after the city where they were born. Florence was born in Florence, Italy and her sister, Parthenope, was born in Naples. The Nightingales chose the ancient Greek name for it. William educated his daughters himself. Florence was particularly brilliant in academics. He wanted them to be married off but Florence felt God calling her to do divine work and help people.

Nursing was viewed in a completely different light. It was not a science or well-established practice. Hospitals were equally as bad. Florence against her parents’ wishes went into Nursing. After years of training she became the superintendent of the Establishment for Gentlewomen.

Only a year later she answered a newspaper ad to treat English soldiers in the Crimean War. The situation was dire to say the least. She led the nurses and quickly established them as very proficient. They were angels of mercy. Florence received the nickname, Lady with the Lamp. Florence recorded everything her nurses did to save their patients. This includes statistical data on the survival rates pre and post, her arrival. In 1859, Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not, was released. This gave her the credentials to create a new wave of health reform with what we consider to be commonsense today. She wrote over 200 books in her lifetime. She was sickly in her later years and passed away in her sleep at 90.

Annie Moore, first Ellis Island immigrant, 1874 – 1923 or 1924

After a 12-day journey that began in Ireland on December 20, 1891 and ended January 1, 1892, teenaged Annie Moore became the first immigrant to go through Ellis Island. She was born and raised in Ireland. Prior to going aboard the S.S. Nevada, her parents had already migrated to America. This time, it was Annie and her younger brothers. Later, she married a German man and had reportedly 11 children with him.

Some people thought she started a new life Texas but that is a different Annie Moore.

Tycho Brahe, Astronomer, 1546 – 1601

Following in the footsteps of Nicolaus Copernicus, Tycho Brahe revolutionized astronomy. Tycho never used a telescope, had a pet moose (that died because he got it too drunk), and had a metal nose. He was born to royalty and as a result had a high quality education. In college, his uncle wanted him to study law but the solar eclipse of August 21, 1560 happened. The dreams of a law career were mere stardust in the wind. Post-graduating, Tycho buckled down and pursued his dream. Around this time he lost his nose in a duel caused by an argument over a math formula.

He didn’t work alone however. There were two assistants, Johannes Kepler and Sophia Brahe (his sister). They kept measurements and notes for him. Tycho took all measures to guard his results from thieves. He was the first person to record multiple supernovas. Also he created the term supernova. There isn’t enough space here to go through all his accomplishments.

Tycho died when his bladder burst after getting a UTI.

Lucille Ball, Entertainment Mogul, 1911 – 1989

In the history of television, very few have reached the level of Lucille Ball. Not only was she an actress and comedian, she was a powerful force behind the scenes.

Lucy was born in Celoron, NY or Butte, Montana, depending on your source. Her father was a Bell Telephone Company lineman which had them moving around frequently. He passed when she was 4 and the family returned to NY. Lucy discovered a love for performing when she was in a chorus line for a Shriners performance. After this she tried and failed several times to make a career. She gained a relatively steady job as a model and became a Chesterfield cigarette girl. In 1933, she was uncredited in Roman Scandals. From here, her career picked up steam carrying her into Olympus.

Everyone knows I Love Lucy, which co-starred her then husband, Desi Arnez. I Love Lucy was a mega hit that captured America’s heart. The show was produced by Lucy and Desi’s production company Desilu Productions. Lucy ran it. She was the first woman to head a production company. Some of the shows they worked on were The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Star Trek, and many more. Her legacy is groundbreaking in countless ways but sometimes overshadowed by her turbulent personal life.

Genghis Khan, Conqueror, 1162 – 1227

There is some debate over this. Some records describe him as having red hair and green eyes but others differ. The Mongols were very diverse so it’s plausible. Since he is usually regarded as a redhead he is included on this list.

He conquered the world or at least the largest chunk of the world that any human ever did. His empire was 12.7 million square miles aka 22% of the world and 25% of the world population circa the 13^th century. The only empire that trumped him was the British Empire which was 13 million square miles. The Roman, Spanish, and Russian don’t even come close.

Genghis was born Temujin. His father was poisoned and died. His family was then exiled by the tribe. He was captured and enslaved shortly after getting married. He freed himself rose through the ranks. By 1206 he was named leader of Mongols and took the name Genghis Khan, which means, “Universal Ruler.” He became a force of nature that no one dared get in the way of.

Aeneas Coffey, Inventor, 1780 – 1852

Who likes drinkin’? Aeneas Coffey did. He was born in France to Irish parents. After a few years they returned to Ireland. Aeneas attended and graduated from the University of Dublin. He worked as a tax collector for a few decades and retired in 1824. Around that time the column still was invented by Sir Anthony Perrier. It concentrated alcohol to higher levels than before. Following this Robert Stein improved it slightly but no one really noticed. Then in 1830, Coffey received the patent for the Coffey still that could do 60% alcohol concentration which was unheard of at the time.

The Coffey still took the alcohol world by storm. You could make a whisky, vodka, gin, rum, everything that got you drunk stronger, easier, and cheaper than before. Europe and the Americas adapted to utilizing the Coffey still. He died a rich man.

Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England, 1485 – 1536

Though primarily known for being Henry VIII’s first wife, she isn’t just another generic everyday blue blood. She was born to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, the Spanish monarchs of that time. Given this Catherine had the best education you could have. It covered everything from Greek to dancing to history. Early on she was paired up with Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales. They were pen pals until marrying age. He was 15 and she was 16. They married in 1501. He died in 1502. She was 17. Shortly after, she was ambassador to England, becoming the first female ambassador in European history.

She married Henry VIII in 1509. Out of six children only one survived, Mary I. As a result Henry believed his marriage was cursed so he took a lover, Anne Boleyn. By the 1520s Catherine was deemed too old to have children. Henry VIII tried to divorce her since she didn’t have a son, but that didn’t happen. Henry wanted to have her executed but she was a royal so their marriage was annulled. During this marriage however she was not a trophy wife. She served as regent governor when Henry was fighting wars and was one of his key advisers. Catherine wanted to more women to be educated. She frequently donated to colleges and made women’s education more fashionable and acceptable. Catherine died January 7, 1536. It’s unclear exactly how but England mourned her loss.

Vincent Van Gogh, Artist, 1853 – 1890

Everyone has seen at least one of his paintings. His life and career was never stable or pleasant for the most part. His family specialized in two things, art and religion. His childhood wasn’t fun. According to him, “My youth was gloom and cold and sterile.” He bounced around several jobs for years going from art dealer to minister’s assistant to supply teacher. He tried and failed to become a pastor and was a missionary to a mining town. This whole time he was sketching and drawing everything around him and grew as an artist.

His romances never ended well. The most successful relationship was with a prostitute whom had a 5 year daughter and another on the way. It’s speculated to be his. Van Gogh gave in to family pressure and ended this torrid love affair after they found out. He moved to Paris and made a living off of his paintings but left after 2 years. He had an odd friendship with fellow painter Paul Gauguin in which after an altercation left part of his left ear missing. It’s not clear what happened. He retreated to a country home in his final years and either shot himself or someone shot him.

Emily Dickinson, Poet, 1830 – 1886

Ms. Dickinson was born into a well-known and influential family. Her grandfather founded Amhearst College. Emily was the middle child between William Austin and Lavinia Norcross. Her father made it a point that his children are well educated. She was an excellent student and excelled academically. However she was haunted and disturbed by death. Several people close to her had died and this took a toll. She assumed was going to die soon but didn’t and her phobia dissipated. This was replaced with a religious fervor that was also temporary.

She continued to live with her family after completing her education. Depression reared its ugly head and haunted her for the rest of her life. Ms. Dickinson was not a homebody. She took trips around the country with her family. During this time she wrote 800 poems and realized her calling. As she vigorously wrote poem after poem, she became more and more reclusive. She kept an active social life but never married. Her writing was up and down but ended up writing thousands of poems. She suffered Bright’s disease for 2 and half years and passed away.

Andrew Jackson, United States President, 1767 – 1845

Andrew Jackson is the angry grandpa of American presidents. He was born in Waxhaws border, between the Carolinas. His family came over from Ireland two years prior to Andrew’s birth. His father died in an accident only a month before he was born. His schooling was minimal and he worked as a child mostly. During the Revolutionary War, he was 13 and served as a courier for the Carolina militia. His oldest brother, Hugh, died, in the Battle of Stono Ferry in1779. 2 years later, he was captured with his brother, Robert, by the British. This encounter left scars on his head and hand. They contracted smallpox during this. A mere few days after their release Robert died. Andrew despised the British after this. Later that year his mother died from Cholera.

After these tragic events he studied, taught, and practiced law. He built a reputation so prolific that was elected to the House of Representatives in 1796 for Tennessee. He only served one term then and became a judge for the Tennessee Supreme Court. Around this time he and 2 other investors bought Tennessee land that a few decades later went by the name Memphis. He served in the military for the War of 1812. He became a war hero during the Battle of New Orleans changing the tide of the war. Jackson was elected to the Senate in 1823. He ran for president in 1824 but lost to John Qunicy Adams. He ran again during the next election and won. He served two terms, 1829-1837. In 1835, someone tried to assassinate him. He pulled out two pistols on the active president. Both guns misfired and Andrew, age 67, beat the assailant with his cane until Senator Davy Crockett walked by and helped restrain the failed assassin. He died in 1845 at 78.

Anastasia Romanov, Russian Grand Duchess, 1901 – 1918

There are many rumors and stories about her ultimate fate but this won’t cover that. She was a daughter of Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra. She’s described as being short, delightful, and witty. She had a few nicknames, one being shvibzik, which means, “imp.” Her childhood wasn’t the standard royal one. Her and her siblings slept on camp cots with no pillow, cleaned their own rooms, and made to sew things for charity events when they had nothing else to do. She like her siblings suffered from hemophilia among several other health problems.

During World War I, she and her sister, Maria, wanted to become Red Cross nurses but were too young so played checkers and other games with wounded soldiers. Towards the end of the war, Russia withdrew from it because of internal problems. The Bolshevik Revolution annihilated the nation. Bolshevik secret police captured the royal family for several months. They were killed in July 1918.

National Hockey League:

2. Torey Krug, Boston Bruins 2012-Current

1. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins 2007-Current

National Football League:

8. Eben Britton, Jacksonville Jags 2009-2012, Chicago Bears 2013-Current

7. Brock Coyle, Seattle Seahawks 2014-Current

6. Jace Amaro, New York Jets 2014-Current

5. Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions 2013-Current

4. Cassius Vaughn, Denver Broncos 2010-2011, Indianapolis Colts 2012-2013, Detroit Lions 2013-Current

3. Sealver Siliga, Denver Broncos 2011-2013, Seattle Seahawks 2013, New England Patroits 2013-Current

2. Chance Warmack, Tennessee Titans 2013-Current

1. Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans 2010-2013, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2014-Current

Major League Baseball:

9. Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees 2007-2013, Detroit Tigers 2014-Current

8. Harlond Clift, St. Louis Browns 1934-1943, Washington Senators 1943-1945

7. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox 2013-Current

6. Ross Grimsley, Cincinnati Reds 1971-1973 Baltimore Orioles, 1974-1977, 1982, Montreal Expos 1978-1980, Cleveland Indians 1980

5. Caleb Thielbar, Minnesota Twins 2013-Current

4. Myril Hoag, New York Yankees 1931-1938, St. Louis Browns 1939-1941, Chicago White Sox 1941-1942, 1944, Cleveland Indians 1944-1945

3. Chesler Cuthbert, Kansas City Royals 2014-Current

2. Heath Hembree, San Francisco Giants 2013, Boston Red Sox 2014-Current

1. Elden Auker, Detroit Tigers 1933-1938, Boston Red Sox 1939, St. Louis Browns 1940-1942

National Basketball Association:

6. Langston Galloway, Westchester Knicks 2014-Current

5. Xavier Thames, Baloncesto Sevilla 2014-Current

4. Sidney Moncrief, Milwaukee Bucks 1979-1990, Atlanta Hawks 1990-1991

3. Jannero Pargo, Los Angeles Lakers 2002-2004, Chicago Bulls 2004-2006, New Orleans Hornets 2006-2008, and others

2. Artis Gilmore, Chicago Bulls 1976-1982, 1987, San Antonio Spurs 1982-1987, Boston Celtics 1988

1. Zan Tabak, Houston Rockets 1994-1995, Toronto Raptors 1995-1998, Boston Celtics 1998