April 05

Born in Caen in 1754, Philippeaux studied law and established himself as an advocate in Normandy. Elected as a deputy to the National Convention, he supported revolutionary reforms and debated key legislation. His eloquence and legal expertise earned him respect among peers in Paris. During the Reign of Terror, shifting alliances led to his arrest on charges of counter-revolutionary sentiment. He was executed by guillotine on April 5, 1794, at the age of 39.

Born in 1874, Rockefeller married John D. Rockefeller Jr. and became a leading figure in New York society. She used her influence and resources to champion modern art, amassing a significant collection of works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. In 1929, she helped establish the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), serving as one of its founding trustees. Her advocacy played a crucial role in introducing modern art to a wider American audience. Beyond the arts, she supported numerous educational and charitable causes, leaving a lasting philanthropic legacy.

Karl von Spreti was born in 1907 and had a distinguished career in the German diplomatic service. In 1970, he was appointed as the first ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Guatemala, charged with strengthening bilateral relations during a period of political turmoil. On March 31, 1970, von Spreti was kidnapped by members of the Fuerzas Armadas Rebeldes and died during captivity. His assassination drew international condemnation and highlighted the dangers faced by diplomats in conflict zones. Von Spreti's death led to increased security measures for German diplomatic missions worldwide.

Abe Fortas was born in 1910 and rose to prominence as a legal advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1965, he was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he authored influential opinions on civil liberties and due process. Fortas played a key role in shaping rulings on free speech and the rights of the accused. His close relationship with President Johnson, however, sparked an ethics controversy when attempts were made to elevate him to Chief Justice. Amid the ensuing Senate resistance, Fortas resigned from the Court in 1969. He later returned to private practice and taught at Yale Law School, remaining active in legal and public affairs until his death.

Born in 1915 in Amsterdam, Cortlever emerged as a leading Dutch chess talent after World War II. He won multiple Dutch Chess Championship titles and competed in Chess Olympiads, often facing top international grandmasters. Known for his strategic depth and strong endgame play, he contributed to the Netherlands' prominence in post-war chess. Cortlever also served as a mentor and organizer, helping to develop the Dutch chess community. He remained active as a competitor and arbiter into his later years. Cortlever passed away on April 5, 1995, remembered as one of the stalwarts of Dutch chess history.