January 16

Charles Annibal Fabrot was a distinguished French lawyer and legal historian who specialized in Roman law. He edited and translated key texts of the Corpus Juris Civilis, making ancient legal sources accessible to European jurists. Fabrot served as a professor of law at the University of Montpellier and produced scholarly commentaries that influenced the French legal system. His rigorous philological approach set new standards in legal scholarship. Fabrot’s editions remained authoritative references for centuries.

Born Hamilton Howard Fish in Washington, D.C., in 1870, he experienced a troubled childhood marked by poverty and abuse. Fish's crimes included the kidnapping, torture, and murder of children, whom he also cannibalized. He gained notoriety for sending graphic letters to the families of his victims. After decades of evading capture, Fish was arrested in 1934 following the murder of Grace Budd. In 1935, he was convicted and sentenced to death. Fish was executed by electric chair in New York’s Sing Sing Prison on January 16, 1936. His horrific case remains one of America’s most infamous examples of serial murder.

Born in 1890, A. V. Kulasingham entered journalism at a young age, using his pen to highlight social injustices. He pursued legal studies and became a respected lawyer, defending clients against colonial-era regulations. Kulasingham’s dual expertise led him into politics, where he advocated for constitutional reforms and civil liberties. He served in the legislative council, voicing concerns over education, labor rights, and press freedom. As a politician, he navigated complex colonial dynamics to push for greater autonomy and justice. His multifaceted career left a lasting impact on Sri Lankan legal and journalistic landscapes.

Born in 1928, Bertram Wainer trained as a medical doctor before turning his efforts to social justice. In the late 1960s, he led a high-profile campaign to reform Victoria’s restrictive abortion laws, exposing police protection rackets. Wainer’s investigations revealed corruption within the police force, leading to official inquiries and legislative change. His advocacy ensured safer medical access for women and laid the groundwork for modern reproductive rights in Australia. Beyond abortion law reform, he continued medical practice and community service until his death in 1987. Wainer’s courage in confronting entrenched systems remains a landmark in Australian social activism.

Marjorie Williams carved a reputation for insightful political analysis and human-interest journalism. Her writing for leading publications showcased her ability to capture complex personalities with empathy and wit. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her early career, she wrote candidly about her experiences, bringing awareness to the illness. She authored acclaimed essays and profiles that resonated with a broad readership. Her contributions influenced a generation of journalists to blend personal narrative with rigorous reporting. Williams's legacy lives on through her memorable writing and the path she paved for women in journalism.

After serving in the U.S. military, Biber entered civilian medical practice. He established one of the first clinics dedicated to gender reassignment procedures in the United States. Performing thousands of surgeries, he refined techniques that improved safety and outcomes for transgender patients. Biber faced social and medical skepticism but advocated tirelessly for his patients' well-being and rights. He trained and mentored other surgeons in this emerging field, sharing his expertise at conferences and seminars. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern gender confirmation surgery and advanced the acceptance of transgender healthcare.

Born in 1925, Lorna Kesterson kicked off her career as a journalist, reporting on local politics and community affairs. Her keen insight into civic issues led her to pursue public office, focusing on transparency and neighborhood engagement. In 1985, she made history as the first female mayor of Henderson, Nevada, guiding the city through significant growth. She spearheaded initiatives for downtown revitalization, public art programs, and enhanced senior citizen services. Her background in journalism helped implement open communication channels between city hall and residents. After her mayoral terms, she mentored future community leaders and remained an influential voice in Nevada politics.

Born in 1926, André Cassagnes worked as an electrical technician at a French toy company. In the mid-1950s, he accidentally discovered the principle of a reusable drawing surface coated with aluminum powder. He developed prototypes that allowed users to create line drawings by turning two control knobs to move a stylus. In 1959, he licensed his invention to the Ohio Art Company, which launched the Etch A Sketch at the 1960 American Toy Fair. The toy became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 100 million units and remaining in production for decades. Cassagnes's simple yet ingenious design sparked creativity in generations of children worldwide.

Born in 1923 in Santa Monica, California, Gussie Moran rose to fame at Wimbledon in 1949, reaching the semifinals. She sparked a media sensation by wearing lace-trimmed shorts under her skirt, challenging conservative tennis attire norms. Moran transitioned smoothly into sportscasting, becoming one of the first women to commentate on major tennis events. Her engaging personality and expertise helped lay the groundwork for modern sports broadcasting by female analysts. Beyond the court and microphone, she advocated for greater visibility and respect for women in athletics. Her legacy endures as both a trailblazer in tennis fashion and in the broadcasting booth.

Born in 1918 in Sioux City, Iowa, Pauline Phillips graduated from Morningside College with a degree in psychology. In 1956, under the pen name Abigail Van Buren, she launched "Dear Abby", offering practical advice with wit and empathy. Her column quickly became a national favorite, appearing in over 1,400 newspapers and reaching millions of readers. Beyond print, she hosted radio shows and made television appearances, bringing her warm counsel to new audiences. Phillips authored several books, often expanding on common dilemmas and relationship guidance. Her straightforward style and genuine concern helped shape the modern advice column as a cultural institution.

Ed Doolan was a pioneering British radio presenter known for his engaging style and community focus. Born in Australia, he moved to the UK where he became a prominent voice on BBC local radio and BRMB Birmingham. His conversational interviews and news segments earned him a dedicated listenership and several broadcasting awards. Doolan used his platform to highlight local issues and charitable causes, becoming a trusted figure in the Midlands. He was inducted into the Radio Academy's Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to broadcasting. Doolan continued to broadcast until health issues forced his retirement, passing away in 2018.

Chris Cramer began his career as a producer with the BBC, working on investigative documentaries and news programs. He joined CNN in the 1990s, eventually serving as global chief operations officer and overseeing coverage of major international events. Cramer was a pioneer in developing safety protocols for journalists, founding the International News Safety Institute. He also taught journalism ethics and risk management at universities and industry forums around the world. Chris Cramer passed away on January 16, 2021, remembered for his commitment to press freedom and reporter welfare.