July 11

Sarah Good was an English settler in colonial Massachusetts who became one of the first accused during the Salem witch trials. In 1692, neighbors' accusations of specter projection led to her arrest and conviction for witchcraft. Good's poverty and outspoken nature made her an easy target amid rising hysteria. She was convicted without substantive evidence and was hanged on July 19, 1692. Her trial exemplifies the dangerous combination of superstition and social tension in Puritan New England. Sarah Good's case remains a stark reminder of the perils of mass paranoia and miscarriage of justice.

Born in Philadelphia in 1760 to a Loyalist family, Shippen was educated in the Pennsylvania capital’s elite circles. She married General Benedict Arnold in 1779 and became his confidante. During Arnold’s secret negotiations with the British, Shippen conveyed coded messages and intelligence. Her involvement aided British plans until the plot was uncovered in 1780. After the scandal, she fled with Arnold to British-held New York and later settled in England. Despite her controversial role, Shippen’s actions highlight the covert participation of women in wartime espionage. She died in 1804, leaving a legacy intertwined with betrayal and intrigue.

Princess Irene of Hesse and by Rhine was born in 1866 to Grand Duke Ernest Louis of Hesse. She was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the older sister of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia. In 1888, she married Prince Heinrich of Prussia, forging ties between German and British royalty. Irene witnessed the upheavals of World War I and the downfall of several European monarchies. Known for her charitable work and devotion to her family, she lived through decades of political change before her death in 1953.

Theodore 'Bull' Connor (1897–1973) served as Birmingham’s Commissioner of Public Safety from 1937 to 1963, overseeing police and fire departments. A staunch segregationist, Connor gained international infamy during the Civil Rights Movement for deploying fire hoses and police dogs against peaceful demonstrators. His violent suppression of protests in 1963 shocked the nation and helped galvanize support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After losing re-election, he lived quietly until his death in 1973. Connor’s legacy remains a stark reminder of the struggle for racial equality in America.

Born in 1911, Erna Flegel volunteered as a nurse during World War II and became one of the last medical staff members in Hitler’s bunker complex. She cared for wounded personnel and witnessed the final days of the Nazi leadership underground. After the bunker’s capture by Soviet forces, Flegel was interrogated before eventually returning to civilian life. She lived the remainder of her life in Germany, maintaining a low public profile. Flegel’s firsthand accounts have provided historians with rare insights into the closing chapter of the Third Reich. She died in 2006, remembered for her unique perspective on one of history’s most infamous sites.

Born in 1916, Caplin graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law and quickly established himself as an expert in tax law. In 1961, he was appointed Commissioner of Internal Revenue by President John F. Kennedy, modernizing IRS procedures and improving taxpayer services. After leaving government service, he co-founded the law firm Caplin & Drysdale, which became a leading tax law practice in Washington, D.C. He also taught tax law at his alma mater for many years. Known for his integrity and dedication to public service, Caplin influenced tax policy during a critical era in American history. He died in 2019 at the age of 102.

Born in 1918 in Oxford, Burney gained lasting fame for proposing the name 'Pluto' to her grandfather, who passed it on to astronomers in 1930. Her suggestion was accepted, and the planet was officially named after the Roman god of the underworld. She later pursued a career as an educator and editor, working at the Oxford University Press and teaching mathematics. Although she did not become a professional astronomer, her contribution is commemorated by the minor planet 6235 Burney. Burney's story highlights the power of curiosity and the impact one idea can have. She died in 2009, remembered for her unique place in astronomical history.

Bill Boggs was born in 1941 in the United States. He began his career in print journalism before transitioning to television production in the 1970s. Over the decades, he has created and hosted shows like 'Bill Boggs Tonight' and 'Bill Boggs Corner,' featuring in-depth interviews with cultural figures. He has also produced documentaries on art, literature, and social issues. His skillful blend of journalism and production has earned him a reputation for thoughtful storytelling. He continues to work in television as a producer, writer, and host.

Darrell Eastlake was born in 1942 in Australia. He rose to national prominence as a rugby league commentator on Channel Nine, where his exuberant style captivated viewers. Eastlake also covered Olympic weightlifting, boxing, and motorsport events with equal enthusiasm. His distinctive, high-octane delivery became his trademark over a broadcasting career spanning more than four decades. He mentored emerging commentators and helped shape modern sports broadcasting in Australia. Eastlake passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of memorable on-air moments.

Richard Carleton was born in 1943 in Australia. He began his career at the ABC, reporting for 'Four Corners' and covering major domestic and international events. In 1989, he joined the Australian edition of '60 Minutes,' delivering hard-hitting investigative reports. His fearless approach and incisive questioning earned him both acclaim and controversy. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he covered wars, political upheavals, and social issues. Carleton passed away suddenly in 2006, remembered as one of Australia's most influential television journalists.

Ivan Toms was born in 1953 in South Africa. He trained as a medical doctor and became a leading figure in the fight against apartheid through his work at public clinics. In 1991, he founded the Health and Human Rights Project to address inequalities in healthcare. Toms was detained multiple times for his activism and served as a member of South Africa’s first democratic parliament. Throughout his career he championed the right to health for all South Africans. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and social justice.

Paul Weiland was born in 1953 in London, England. He began his career directing award-winning television commercials before transitioning to feature films. His notable films include 'Leon the Pig Farmer', 'City Slickers II', and 'Made of Honor'. Weiland has worked with actors such as Danny DeVito and Kevin Kline. He has also produced and written several successful television specials. His blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling has earned him a loyal following.