May 16

Born in 1418 to the Lusignan dynasty of Cyprus, he succeeded his father Janus as king in 1432. He ruled as King of Cyprus and Armenia and held the titular title of King of Jerusalem until 1458. His reign was marked by efforts to defend his kingdom from the rising power of the Mamluk Sultanate. He sought alliances with Venice and European powers to secure military support in the eastern Mediterranean. Known for his persistence in preserving the legacy of the Crusader states, he maintained his realm through diplomatic and military challenges. He died in 1458, leaving a legacy of resilience during a turbulent era for the Levantine kingdoms.

Born in 1455 into the noble House of Oettingen, Wolfgang I became Count of Oettingen in the region now known as Bavaria. He administered his estates and upheld feudal duties during a period of regional power struggles within the Holy Roman Empire. As a member of the Swabian nobility, his family participated in the political networks of late medieval Germany. Though few detailed records exist, he maintained his lineage’s standing through alliances and estate governance. He died in 1522, passing his titles and lands to his successors, who continued the family's influence in the Swabian Circle.

Born in 1542 into the House of Hanau-Lichtenberg, Anna Sibylle held status as a German noblewoman during the Reformation. Her family’s territories lay along the Rhine in the Holy Roman Empire, a region shaped by religious and political change. As a noblewoman, she would have overseen household management and dynastic alliances through marriage ties. Although personal records are limited, she represents the role of women in maintaining noble estates amid 16th-century upheavals. She died in 1580, remembered through her contributions to her family's legacy and regional governance.

Born in 1641 into a prominent Suffolk family, Dudley North served as a Member of Parliament and held various government offices. An early critic of mercantilist policies, he published "Discourses upon Trade" in 1691, arguing for trade liberalization and competition. His economic ideas emphasized natural price, the role of supply and demand, and the dangers of excessive regulation. North’s work influenced later classical economists and helped shape the development of economic theory in England. He remained active in politics until his death in 1691, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of free-market thought.

Born in 1710 into the Talbot family, William Talbot succeeded his father as Baron Talbot before being elevated to Earl in the Peerage of Great Britain in 1761. He held the court position of Lord Steward of the Household, overseeing royal domestic affairs under King George III. Talbot also sat in the British House of Lords, playing a role in the politics of mid-18th century Britain. He managed his estates in Wales and Staffordshire, balancing his aristocratic responsibilities with public service. Lord Talbot died in 1782, and his descendants continued the Talbot lineage, which would become influential in British politics and society.

Born in 1801, Seward studied law at Union College and rose to prominence in New York politics as governor and U.S. senator. As Secretary of State, he guided American diplomacy through the Civil War and championed the Union cause. He orchestrated the 1867 Alaska Purchase, expanding U.S. territory. Seward survived an assassination attempt on the night of Lincoln's assassination and continued to shape policy under President Johnson. A staunch abolitionist and advocate for civil rights, he left a lasting legacy as a visionary statesman. He died in 1872, remembered for his diplomatic skill and expansionist vision.

Born in 1824 in Vermont, Morton built his fortune as a banker and railroad investor in New York City. He served as a U.S. Representative and was appointed Minister to France from 1881 to 1885. As the 22nd Vice President under Benjamin Harrison (1889–1893), he presided over the Senate and supported tariffs and business interests. Morton later served as Governor of New York (1895–1896), advocating for public education and infrastructure improvements. Known for his financial expertise and diplomatic skill, he maintained close ties with European elites. He died in 1920, remembered for his blend of business acumen and public service.

Celâl Bayar served as the 3rd President of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. He was a co-founder of the Democrat Party, ending single-party rule in Turkey. As Prime Minister in the 1930s, he implemented economic and social reforms. During his presidency, he pursued liberalization and closer ties with the West. His leadership ended with the 1960 military coup, after which he was tried and imprisoned. Bayar's long life spanned the late Ottoman era through modern Turkey, making him a key witness to its transformation.

Gordon Chalk began his public service career in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, where he was first elected in 1950. A member of the Liberal Party, he held several ministerial positions, including Treasurer and Deputy Premier. In August 1968, he became the state’s 30th Premier, guiding Queensland through a period of economic growth. His tenure focused on infrastructure development and educational reforms. After his short term as Premier, he continued to serve as Deputy Premier until his retirement in 1976. Chalk was respected for his pragmatic leadership style and commitment to bipartisan cooperation.

Ephraim Katzir was a pioneering biophysicist whose research on enzyme kinetics and protein structure earned him international acclaim. Born in Kiev and raised in British Mandate Palestine, he joined the Weizmann Institute of Science and helped establish its Department of Biophysics. Katzir's scientific work laid the groundwork for advancements in molecular biology and inspired future generations of researchers. In 1973, he transitioned to public service as Israel's fourth president, guiding the nation through the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. During his presidency, he championed scientific education, cultural exchanges, and academic collaboration. After leaving office, Katzir returned to research and remained an influential voice in Israeli science and public affairs.

Graduating from law school, Murray began his career as a practicing attorney. Elected to Congress in 1954, he served one term advocating for labor rights and urban development. He later joined Chicago's City Council, influencing city policies and infrastructure projects. Known for his commitment to his constituents, he worked on social welfare legislation. Murray's legal expertise and political service left a lasting impact on Illinois governance.

Dawda Jawara (1924–2019) was the first President of the Gambia, serving from 1970 until his overthrow in 1994. He guided the nation through its transition from colonial rule to independence. Jawara was instrumental in establishing democratic institutions and promoting economic development. During his tenure, the Gambia maintained political stability despite regional challenges. His policies emphasized education, healthcare, and infrastructure. After a military coup ended his presidency, Jawara lived in exile before eventually returning home. He is remembered as a pioneering leader in modern Gambian history.