May 13

John Nash was born in Lambeth, London, in 1752 and studied under architect Sir Robert Taylor. He became official architect to the Prince Regent and emerged as a leading figure of the British Regency. Nash's most famous work, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, blends Orientalist and Gothic Revival styles in a striking seaside palace. He also redesigned Buckingham Palace and developed Regent Street and Regent's Park, transforming London’s West End. Nash's innovative urban planning created cohesive, elegant cityscapes that influenced 19th-century architecture. He died in 1835, leaving a lasting impact on British architectural heritage.

John Littlejohn was born in 1756 and served as a sheriff enforcing law and order in his community. He embraced the Methodist faith and became a traveling preacher, delivering sermons to frontier settlements. Littlejohn’s dual roles reflected the intertwined nature of civic duty and spiritual devotion in early America. He was known for his commitment to both justice and moral guidance. Throughout his life, he balanced his responsibilities as a lawman with his passion for spreading Methodist teachings. Littlejohn passed away in 1836, remembered for his grassroots contributions to public service and faith-based leadership.

Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington (1920–1948), was the younger sister of President John F. Kennedy. Born into the prominent Kennedy family, she was affectionately nicknamed 'Kick'. During World War II, she served with the Red Cross in England, where she met her future husband. She married William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, joining British aristocracy. Tragically, she died in a plane crash in France while pregnant, just months after her marriage. Her life and untimely death have inspired fascination and speculation about her role in one of America's most famous families.

Born in 1934, Michael 'Mickey' Spillane rose to prominence as a key figure in New York’s Irish mob scene. He controlled illegal gambling, extortion, and waterfront rackets, clashing with rival factions. Spillane was known for his ruthlessness and fierce territorial defense of Hell’s Kitchen. His criminal empire operated throughout the 1950s and 1960s, cementing his reputation in organized crime. On May 13, 1977, Spillane was shot dead outside his home, marking the violent end of his reign. His life exemplified the brutal power struggles of mid-20th-century American underworlds.

Don Ritchie (1925–2012) was an Australian humanitarian who spent decades preventing suicides at The Gap, a notorious cliff in Sydney. He would patrol the area offering hot drinks and kind words to individuals in distress, reportedly saving over 200 lives. Ritchie received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his courageous and compassionate acts. His approach inspired mental health awareness and community support programs across the world. He continued his quiet mission until his retirement, leaving a legacy of hope and kindness.

Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart (1948–2014) was a pioneering figure in the neo-pagan and occult communities. She co-founded the Church of All Worlds, inspired by themes of ecological awareness and alternative spirituality. Her writings, both fiction and non-fiction, delved into magical practices, cosmic consciousness, and personal transformation. Zell-Ravenheart's charismatic teachings brought together diverse seekers, emphasizing community and ritual. She organized gatherings and workshops that blended mythic storytelling with hands-on spiritual exercises. Her legacy continues through the movements and literature she helped shape in contemporary paganism.