May 26

Born in 1751, Lofft established himself as a respected lawyer on the Norfolk circuit. He was also a man of letters, corresponding with poets and writers of his day. Lofft supported social causes, including the abolition of the slave trade, and championed the underdog in legal cases. His pamphlets and essays reflected Enlightenment ideals of justice and reason. Though he never held public office, his influence extended through his writings and friendships with leading intellectuals. Lofft died in 1824, remembered for his zeal in law and culture.

Almon Brown Strowger was an American Civil War veteran and inventor, best known for the Strowger switch. He served as a soldier in the Union Army before applying his mechanical aptitude to telephony. In 1889, frustrated by telephone operators diverting calls, he designed the first automatic telephone exchange. His invention eliminated the need for manual switchboards and laid the foundation for modern digital switching systems. In 1901, he founded the Automatic Electric Company to manufacture his switch, transforming the telecommunications industry. Strowger's work earned him recognition as a pioneer of automated communications, influencing successive generations of technology.

Jacob A. Riis was a Danish-American journalist and photographer born in 1849. Working as a New York police reporter, he exposed the harsh conditions of tenement slums. He used pioneering flash photography to document overcrowded, unsanitary housing in the late 19th century. His landmark book "How the Other Half Lives" sparked public outrage and led to housing and labor reforms. Riis collaborated with reformers like Theodore Roosevelt, influencing urban policy and social welfare. His innovative use of images set a new standard for investigative journalism worldwide.

William H. Shockley was an American mining engineer born in 1855 with extensive experience in mine development. Beyond his engineering career, he pursued amateur photography, capturing images of industrial and natural scenes. He also collected plant specimens and conducted botanical studies, contributing to regional herbariums. Shockley's blend of technical skill and scientific curiosity reflected the Victorian era's multidisciplinary spirit. Though lesser known today, his work exemplified a dedication to both applied engineering and natural history. His legacy highlights the value of combining professional expertise with passionate hobbies.

Ruben Oskar Auervaara was a Finnish fraudster who became infamous for posing as a wealthy aristocrat to swindle unsuspecting women across Europe. Born in 1906, he adopted multiple aliases and fabricated elaborate stories of inheritance to extract money and gifts from his victims. Auervaara’s charm and audacity allowed him to defraud dozens before being arrested in the 1920s. Despite facing several trials, he managed to avoid lengthy imprisonment until his final conviction. His exploits captivated the public and inspired literature and film. Auervaara died on May 26, 1964, but remained a symbol of early 20th-century white-collar crime.

Born in 1936, Peer graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She joined Newsweek and became its first female foreign correspondent, covering global hotspots. Her fearless reporting took her to conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East. Peer's articles were acclaimed for their rigor and human insight. She later contributed to prominent magazines and advocated for women in journalism. Peer died in 1984, remembered for her pioneering spirit and journalistic excellence.

Born in Topeka, Kansas, William R. Roy began his career as an obstetrician-gynecologist and contributed articles to local newspapers. He served in the Kansas State Senate before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, where he advocated for healthcare reform and civil rights. Roy ran for the United States Senate in 1974 and 1978, bolstering the Democratic presence in a traditionally Republican state. After leaving Congress, he returned to medicine and continued to write and speak on public policy issues. His multifaceted career bridged medicine, media, and politics, leaving a legacy of service in Kansas and beyond.

Born in Freiburg, Germany, Hedy Epstein escaped Nazi persecution via the Kindertransport to England and later settled in the United States. A passionate advocate, she shared her experiences at schools, universities, and public forums to promote tolerance and awareness of genocidal atrocities. Epstein co-founded the St. Louis Holocaust Museum Education Center and participated in international solidarity missions, including visits to Palestinian refugee camps. Throughout her life, she remained committed to nonviolent activism, speaking out against oppression worldwide.