May 27

Born in England in 1812, George K. Teulon emigrated to the Republic of Texas where he became one of its first local journalists. He wrote for frontier newspapers, documenting the Texas Revolution and the challenges of settler life. As an active Freemason, Teulon helped establish lodge chapters that fostered civic networks among new arrivals. His articles provide valuable firsthand accounts of military campaigns, political developments, and daily experiences in early Texas. Although much of his work has been lost, surviving pieces shed light on the social and cultural fabric of the young republic. Teulon’s dual roles as reporter and community leader make him a notable figure in Texan history. He died in 1846 during the tumult of the Mexican–American War era.

John Rudolph Niernsee was born in Vienna in 1814 and trained as an architect before emigrating to the United States. Settling in Charleston, South Carolina, he partnered with fellow immigrant James Crawford Neilson to form Niernsee & Neilson. Their firm designed notable projects including the South Carolina College campus and the extension of the United States Capitol. Niernsee’s work spanned private residences, churches, and public buildings, often drawing on Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles. During the Civil War, he served briefly as a Confederate engineer on fortifications. After the war, he oversaw reconstruction projects in the former Southern states. His architecture reflects a skillful adaptation of European design principles to American contexts, and several of his buildings remain historic landmarks.

Amelia Bloomer was born in 1818 in Homer, New York, and became a leading figure in early women's rights and temperance movements. As editor of The Lily, one of the first U.S. periodicals by and for women, she promoted dress reform to improve health and mobility. Bloomer popularized the loose pant style that came to be called 'bloomers,' sparking national debate over women's roles and appearances. She lectured widely on suffrage, education, and social equality, linking fashion to broader gender reforms. Although the bloomer costume fell out of favor, her efforts advanced critical conversations about women’s autonomy. Bloomer’s pioneering work in journalism and activism paved the way for later suffrage leaders. She died in 1894, remembered as a bold reformer in the early crusade for women’s rights.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok became famous as a scout and marksman during the American Civil War and the westward expansion. He worked as a lawman in several frontier towns, including Dodge City and Abilene, where his reputation for fairness and quick draw grew. Hickok’s legendary duels, including a famed showdown with Davis Tutt, solidified his status in Western folklore. He later performed as a showman in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Hickok was shot and killed in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, in 1876 while playing poker, reportedly holding what became known as the "Dead Man's Hand."

Sir William Stanier was born in Newton-le-Willows in 1876 and trained at the Crewe Works under the Great Western Railway. In 1932, he was appointed Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS Railway, where he introduced powerful and efficient locomotive classes, including the 'Black Five' 4-6-0s and Coronation engines. His designs emphasized reliability, standardization, and performance, setting new benchmarks for British steam traction. Knighted in 1943 for his services to engineering, Stanier’s work influenced railway practices long after his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in rail transport history.

Lotte Toberentz served as a female supervisor at the Uckermark concentration camp, a subcamp of the Ravensbrück complex. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing female prisoners and enforcing the camp’s harsh regulations. Her duties placed her among the ranks of Nazi functionaries who facilitated atrocities against inmates. After the war, she was investigated for her involvement in the camp system, highlighting the role of women in Nazi operations. Details of her later life remain limited in historical records. She died in 1964, leaving a legacy tied to one of history’s darkest chapters.

Born in 1909 in Venezuela, Juan Vicente Pérez became a symbol of human longevity. He was officially recognized as the world's oldest living man and celebrated across Latin America. His lifespan covered three centuries of profound global change, from horse-drawn carriages to the internet age. Pérez attributed his long life to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical work, and strong family bonds. As the last known man born in the 1900s decade, his passing in 2024 at age 114 marked the end of an era. Throughout his life, he remained active on his family farm and engaged with his community until his final years.

Jüri Randviir was a leading Estonian chess master in the mid-20th century. He won multiple national championships and represented Estonia in international tournaments. As a journalist, he authored insightful articles that made chess accessible to new audiences. His dual career helped cultivate a strong chess culture in Estonia. Randviir’s contributions extended beyond the board, influencing both sports reporting and the chess community until his death in 1996.

Mal Evans was a British road manager and longtime assistant to The Beatles, born in 1935. He joined the band's inner circle in the early 1960s, handling logistics, equipment, and day-to-day needs as they toured internationally. Beyond his managerial duties, Evans contributed background vocals on recordings and occasionally played percussion instruments during sessions. He captured many candid moments on film and in photographs, providing an intimate glimpse into the band's creative process. After The Beatles disbanded, Evans continued working in the music industry and as a session musician. Despite facing personal struggles, he remained a beloved figure among fans and former bandmates. Evans died in 1976, with his contributions now recognized as integral to The Beatles' legendary career.

Mike Gibson began his media career writing columns for newspapers before joining Channel Nine's 'Wide World of Sports' as a sportscaster in the 1970s. He co-created and co-hosted 'The Back Page' on Fox Sports Australia, where his candid and humorous interviews became a staple of sports journalism. Gibson covered major events including the Olympic Games, rugby, and Australian football championships, earning respect for his professionalism and wit. He authored several books on sports and broadcasting, sharing his experience and storytelling flair. Throughout a career spanning over four decades, Gibson received numerous awards for excellence in journalism. His influence helped shape modern sports commentary in Australia until his passing in 2015.

Lee Baca is an American law enforcement official who served as the 30th Sheriff of Los Angeles County from 1998 to 2014. He led one of the largest sheriff's departments in the United States, overseeing more than 18,000 employees. During his tenure, Baca implemented community policing and training initiatives aimed at improving public safety. His leadership saw expansions in inmate rehabilitation programs and facility upgrades. After leaving office, he faced legal challenges and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in 2017. Baca's career remains marked by both departmental accomplishments and controversies.

Wubbo de Boer was a Dutch civil servant whose career spanned several decades in various government ministries. He worked on policy development and administrative reforms, contributing to the modernization of the public sector. De Boer held leadership roles that involved coordinating interdepartmental initiatives and representing the Netherlands in international forums. He was respected by colleagues for his expertise and commitment to efficient governance. After retiring, he continued to advise on public administration matters until his death in 2017. His work left a lasting impact on Dutch civil service practices.