September 11

Born in 1318 as the daughter of Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, Eleanor of Lancaster became Countess of Arundel through her marriages into the Beaumont and FitzAlan families. She played a significant role in the alliances between powerful English noble houses during the reign of Edward III. Eleanor's lineage and marriages helped shape the political landscape of 14th-century England. She was known for her patronage of religious institutions and for managing her estates with notable competence. Eleanor died in 1372, leaving descendants who continued to influence English nobility.

Born in 1494 into the ducal family of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Elisabeth married Charles II, Duke of Guelders, in the early 1500s and assumed the title Duchess of Guelders. She supported her husband in resisting Habsburg encroachment on their territories and sought to maintain the independence of Guelders. After Charles II's death in 1538, Elisabeth faced political pressures as the duchy was absorbed by the Habsburgs. She spent her later years defending the rights and properties of her family while navigating the complexities of 16th-century European politics. Elisabeth died in 1572, leaving a legacy tied to the last days of the independent Duchy of Guelders.

Born in 1751 into the ducal family of Saxe-Meiningen, Princess Charlotte held a respected position among German nobility. Although she did not rule in her own right, she supported cultural activities and the arts at her family’s court. Charlotte was known for her charitable initiatives, particularly in education and religious institutions within her duchy. During the upheavals of the Napoleonic era, she aided refugees and war victims with resources from her household. Her quiet dedication to philanthropy earned her widespread affection among her contemporaries. Princess Charlotte died in 1827, leaving a legacy of benevolence and cultural patronage.

Hawley Harvey Crippen began his medical career as a homeopathic physician in the United States before relocating to England. In 1910, he became the central figure in one of the era's most notorious criminal cases when he was accused of murdering his wife, Cora. Utilising wireless telegraphy, authorities orchestrated his capture at sea, marking the first-ever arrest made by this technology. The ensuing trial gripped the public imagination, combining elements of scandal, mystery, and emerging forensic methods. Convicted in a dramatic courtroom battle, Crippen was executed at Holloway Prison, and his case has since inspired numerous books, films, and debates about criminal justice.

Karl Plutus was an Estonian lawyer and jurist whose career spanned much of the 20th century. He practiced law and advised on important legal matters in Estonia. Plutus contributed to the development of the nation's judicial framework. His work helped shape legal education and professional standards in his homeland. He remained a respected figure in Estonian law until his passing in 2010.

Alvar Lidell was an English journalist and radio announcer who became a trusted voice on the BBC. He began his broadcasting career in the 1930s and gained prominence delivering news during World War II. Lidell's clear diction and calm demeanor earned him a loyal audience. He went on to present radio documentaries and special programs throughout his career. Lidell remained an influential figure in British broadcasting until his death in 1981.

Margaret Booth was an English lawyer who rose through the ranks to become one of the first female High Court judges in England. After being called to the Bar, she specialized in civil law and earned a reputation for fairness and legal acumen. In her judicial career, she presided over significant civil and family cases, advocating for the rights of vulnerable parties. Booth also mentored young lawyers and worked to improve access to justice. Her appointment marked a milestone for women in the legal profession, inspiring future generations. She passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy of trailblazing service in the British legal system.

Theodore Olson built a distinguished career as a Supreme Court litigator, representing clients in high-profile cases such as Bush v. Gore. He served as U.S. Solicitor General from 2001 to 2004, advocating on behalf of the federal government. Earlier, he was U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California and a leading appellate lawyer in private practice. Olson took on significant pro bono work, including civil rights and Guantanamo detainees' cases. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and Yale Law School, he shaped modern appellate advocacy. He passed away in 2024, leaving a legacy of legal excellence.

As a 15-year-old student, Minnijean Brown-Trickey courageously joined the Little Rock Nine in 1957 to integrate Central High School amid intense opposition. She faced daily harassment but remained dedicated to equality and justice. After her expulsion, she moved to Canada and continued her activism while completing her education. Over the years, she has lectured widely on civil rights, advising youth and policymakers. Brown-Trickey co-founded a national girls' mentoring program and published her memoir recounting the struggle for desegregation. Her work has inspired generations to challenge racism and advocate for human rights.

John Agrue was an American serial killer convicted of several murders in the early 1970s. Law enforcement linked him to multiple crime scenes over the course of an extensive investigation. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to life in prison. Agrue spent decades behind bars before dying in custody in 2009. His case is occasionally referenced in studies of criminal profiling and violent offenders.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Heyman began his career as a journalist covering wrestling, working for The Miami Herald. In the 1990s, he founded Eastern Championship Wrestling, later rebranded as Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), revolutionizing the industry with its hardcore style. ECW became a cult favorite, showcasing innovative matches and cultivating a passionate fanbase. After ECW's closure, Heyman joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before transitioning to WWE, where he managed top talents like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. His charismatic mic skills and creative storytelling have made him one of wrestling's most influential figures. Heyman continues to impact the sports entertainment world as an on-screen advocate and creative consultant.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bartiromo earned a degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business before beginning her career at CNN in 1993. She became the first journalist to report live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, earning her the nickname 'Money Honey.' In 2005, she left CNBC for Fox Business Network, hosting the prime-time show Mornings with Maria. Bartiromo has interviewed numerous global leaders and CEOs, gaining a reputation for tough, informed questioning. She authored best-selling books on investing, including The 10 Laws of Enduring Success. Recognized for her contributions to financial journalism, she continues to influence discussions on markets and the economy.