March 05

Born at St. James's Palace in 1723, Princess Mary was the youngest child of King George II and Queen Caroline. In 1740, she married Landgrave Frederick II of Hesse-Kassel, cementing a strategic alliance between Britain and the German states. Renowned for her intelligence and graceful presence, she established salons that fostered artistic and intellectual exchange in her court. Mary was a dedicated patron of music, supporting composers and commissioning works for Hesse-Kassel's orchestras. She also championed charitable initiatives, founding schools and hospitals in her adopted homeland. Despite the challenges of political upheaval during the Seven Years' War, Mary maintained close correspondence with her British family and navigated the complexities of European diplomacy with tact. She died in 1773, leaving a legacy of cultural enrichment and strengthened Hanoverian alliances.

Robert Cooper Grier was born in 1794 and became a prominent legal figure in the United States. He argued landmark cases before the Supreme Court before his own appointment. In 1846, President James K. Polk nominated him as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Grier's tenure included decisions on significant issues such as states' rights and federal authority. He was involved in the infamous Dred Scott case deliberations in 1857. After retiring in 1870, he continued to influence legal thought through mentorship and writing.

John Wentworth was born in 1815 and became a leading newspaperman in Illinois. He founded the Chicago Democrat newspaper, shaping public opinion on key issues. Wentworth served in the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming Chicago's 19th mayor. During his mayoralty, he improved the city's infrastructure and public services amid rapid growth. He advocated for reform and modernization, leaving lasting civic improvements. After his political career, he continued writing and remained active in Chicago's cultural life.

Born in Breslau in 1862, Siegbert Tarrasch rose to prominence as one of the leading chess masters of his era. His rigorous approach to tactics and strategy earned him the nickname 'Praeceptor Germaniae.' Tarrasch authored influential books, including The Game of Chess, that shaped modern chess education. He popularized opening systems such as the Tarrasch Defense and championed principles of clear piece development. A two-time German champion and tournament winner, he maintained a top world ranking for decades. Tarrasch's writings and instructional style left an enduring mark on how chess is studied and taught.

Misao Okawa (1898–2015) was born in Osaka and lived to the age of 117, making her one of the longest-lived people in history. She was officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records in March 2013 as the world's oldest living person. Her life spanned three centuries, during which she witnessed major transformations in Japan and the world. Okawa attributed her longevity to a balanced diet of sushi and green tea and maintained a cheerful demeanor. Even in her later years, she remained active, participating in celebrations and public events with a warm smile. She passed away in April 2015, leaving a legacy of resilience and grace.

Johanna Langefeld (1900–1974) served as an SS supervisor at Ravensbrück, Auschwitz, and another concentration camp. She was responsible for overseeing prisoner work detachments and enforcing brutal discipline among inmates. Despite occasional conflicts with male SS officers, she participated in selections and punitive measures. After World War II, Langefeld was arrested, tried for war crimes in 1950, and convicted for her actions. She served a prison sentence before her release in 1957, exemplifying the complexities of post-war justice. Her case highlights the involvement of women in Nazi atrocities and the moral challenges of accountability.

Peter Woodcock (1939–2010) was one of Canada’s youngest known serial killers. At age 14, he murdered his first victim and went on to kill two more children in Toronto. Diagnosed with a severe personality disorder, he was confined to psychiatric institutions for most of his life. While institutionalized, he committed another homicide in 1965 and spent decades in secure facilities. His case prompted debate over juvenile justice and the treatment of mentally ill offenders in Canada. Woodcock’s life and crimes remain a chilling chapter in Canadian criminal history.

Pierre Wynants (born 1939) is a celebrated Belgian chef and restaurateur. In 1974, he founded the Brussels restaurant Comme Chez Soi, which would earn multiple Michelin stars. His cuisine blends classic French techniques with Belgian ingredients, earning international acclaim. Wynants has trained numerous protégés who have gone on to lead kitchens around the world. He has also authored cookbooks and represented Belgian gastronomy at global culinary events. His influence helped elevate Belgium’s reputation in the fine dining scene.

Des Wilson (born 1941) is a British activist and campaigner who has led influential social movements. In 1971, he co-founded Friends of the Earth UK, becoming its first director and setting the tone for environmental advocacy in Britain. He later served as chief executive of Shelter, campaigning for housing rights for the homeless and vulnerable. Wilson has also chaired the UK Consumers’ Association, advocating for consumer protections. His work in the media includes presenting on BBC’s Watchdog program. Recognized for his pioneering campaigns, he has been honored for contributions to public interest activism.

Roy Gutman (b.1944) is an esteemed American journalist whose investigative reporting exposed war crimes and human rights abuses. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for his coverage of the Yugoslav wars, shedding light on ethnic violence. Gutman has served as senior foreign editor for major news outlets and contributed to international publications. He authored books analyzing global conflicts and the challenges of journalism in war zones. Gutman's work has influenced policymakers and inspired a generation of reporters committed to uncovering the truth.

Francisco Rivera Pérez, known professionally as Paquirri (March 5, 1948 – September 26, 1984), was a celebrated Spanish bullfighter from a prominent bullfighting family. He made his debut in the late 1960s and quickly established a reputation for elegant technique and fearless performances. Paquirri headlined major bullrings across Spain and Latin America, drawing large crowds with his commanding presence. His career was tragically cut short when he was fatally gored during a bullfight in Pozoblanco in 1984. Paquirri's legacy endures through his sons, who also became toreros, and through the lasting impact he made on the art of bullfighting. He is remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic figures in modern bullfighting history.

Ray Suarez (born 1957) is an American journalist, author, and public radio and television correspondent. He began his career at National Public Radio before joining the PBS NewsHour, where he covered national politics, foreign affairs, and social issues. Suarez hosted NPR’s Talk of the Nation and contributed to MSNBC as an anchor and correspondent. He has written several books on American history, politics, and urban policy. Known for his clear reporting style and in-depth analysis, he is also a frequent speaker on media ethics and diversity.