April 19

Frederick IV, born on 19 April 1452, was the last King of Naples of the House of Trastámara. He succeeded his brother Alfonso II in 1496 and faced constant struggles against French claims to his kingdom. Under his reign, Naples experienced prolonged conflict with both France and Spain, leading to his eventual surrender in 1501. After abdication, he lived in exile at the French court, where he remained until his death. He died in 1504, marking the end of Aragonese rule in southern Italy. His reign is remembered for the turbulent politics and dynastic rivalries of late 15th-century Europe.

Born in 1593 into the Hobart baronetcy, Sir John Hobart became the 2nd Baronet of Intwood in 1625. He managed extensive estates in Norfolk and took his seat in the House of Commons, representing his county. Hobart navigated the complex politics of King Charles I's reign, balancing local interests and royal demands. His role exemplified the duties and influence of the English gentry during the lead-up to the Civil War. He remained active in public service until his death in 1647, contributing to regional governance. His legacy endures in Norfolk through his family's continued prominence.

Michel Le Tellier was born in 1603 into a noble French family engaged in royal administration. He rose to become Chancellor of France and was appointed Secretary of State for War in 1677. In this role under Louis XIV, he implemented major reforms in military organization and training. Le Tellier established military academies and streamlined logistics, strengthening France's forces. His policies were instrumental in shaping the French army's successes in late 17th-century conflicts. He retired from office in 1683 and died in 1685, leaving a lasting imprint on European military history.

Born in 1613 in Wechmar, Christoph Bach was a German musician during the early Baroque period. He served as organist and musician in various churches across Thuringia, including Arnstadt and Schweinfurt. Christoph laid the foundations of the Bach dynasty, nurturing a family tradition of exceptional musicians. He was the father of Johann Ambrosius Bach and the grandfather of J.S. Bach, one of history's greatest composers. Though few of his own compositions survive, his influence is seen through his descendants' achievements. He passed away in 1661, leaving a legacy embedded in central Germany's rich musical heritage.

Willem Drost was born in 1633 in Amsterdam and trained under the master painter Rembrandt van Rijn. His works reflect dramatic chiaroscuro and emotional depth, characteristics of his teacher’s style. Drost excelled in portraiture and biblical themes, producing notable works like 'Bathsheba at Her Bath.' He spent his final years in Venice, continuing to create art before his untimely death at age 26. Despite his brief career, Drost’s paintings contribute to the richness of the Dutch Golden Age. He died in 1659, leaving a concise but influential artistic legacy.

George St Lo, born in 1655, pursued a naval career under the reign of Charles II. He served in various sea commands and later transitioned to essential administrative roles. As Comptroller of Storekeepers' Accounts, he oversaw the supply chains critical to naval readiness. St Lo managed major dockyard operations and contributed to logistical strategies during wartime. His efforts helped professionalize the Royal Navy’s support systems in the late 17th century. He died in 1718, remembered for his role in strengthening England’s maritime infrastructure.

Born in 1658, Johann Wilhelm became Elector Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Berg. His marriage to Archduchess Maria Anna Josepha of Austria strengthened ties with the Habsburg dynasty. Known as Jan Wellem, he transformed Düsseldorf into a Baroque cultural hub with theaters and art galleries. He amassed an impressive art collection and welcomed artists, musicians, and architects to his court. His reign is celebrated for the flourishing of Baroque art and architecture in the Rhineland. He died in 1716, leaving a legacy as one of Germany's greatest patrons of the arts.

Born in 1665 in Paris, Jacques Lelong became one of France's leading bibliographers. He compiled the 'Bibliothèque historique de la France' and the 'Bibliotheca sacra,' cataloging thousands of volumes. Lelong’s meticulous work provided scholars with essential tools for research in literature and history. He collaborated with contemporaries to expand and refine his bibliographies over several decades. His contributions laid the foundation for modern library cataloging and bibliographic science. He died in 1721, remembered as a pioneer in the field of bibliography.

Vasily Nikitich Tatishchev was born in 1686 into a noble family serving Tsar Peter the Great. He held high offices as governor and senator, contributing significantly to state administration. Tatishchev wrote the 'History of Russia,' the first systematic account of the nation’s past. He conducted geographical surveys and ethnographic studies, documenting regional cultures and landscapes. In 1723, he founded the city of Perm, fostering its development as an industrial center. He died in 1750, celebrated as a pioneering historian and influential figure in Russian modernization.

James Nares was born in 1715 in St. Marylebone, London, into a family of musicians. He served as organist at York Minster before becoming Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal in 1763. Nares composed numerous anthems, hymns, and organ works that became central to Anglican worship. His music bridged the Baroque and Classical styles, noted for its melodic grace and structural clarity. He taught and influenced a generation of English church musicians through his compositions and pedagogy. He retired from his royal position in 1781 and died in 1783, honored for his contributions to sacred music.

Roger Sherman (1721–1793) was a self-taught lawyer and influential American Founding Father. Born in Newton, Connecticut, he began his career as a cobbler before studying law and entering public service. Sherman represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress and was the only person to sign all four of the nation’s founding documents, including the Articles of Confederation. He played a key role in drafting the United States Constitution and later served as a U.S. Representative and a federal judge. His pragmatic leadership and commitment to unity left a lasting impact on the early republic.

Karl von Ordóñez (1734–1786) was an Austrian violinist and composer active in Vienna’s vibrant musical scene. He studied violin performance and composition under prominent teachers of his time. Ordóñez composed several symphonies, string quartets, and violin concertos characterized by graceful melodies and clear textures. Many of his works were performed at aristocratic salons and contributed to the evolution of the Classical symphonic style. Though less remembered today, his music offers insight into the transitional period between the Baroque and Classical eras.