September 12

Born into a wealthy Lancashire family in 1782, Eleanora Atherton devoted her life to charitable work. As heir to a vast estate, she used her resources to support the poor and vulnerable. Atherton funded the construction of schools, orphanages, and churches throughout Manchester and its surroundings. She was known for her meticulous management of donations and personal involvement in relief efforts. Her legacies included hospital endowments and scholarships for underprivileged children. Atherton never married and dedicated her fortune entirely to public welfare. She died in 1870, remembered as a pioneer of organized philanthropy during the Victorian era.

Born in 1884 in Jena, Hugo Schmeisser studied mechanical engineering and began his career designing small arms. He contributed to the development of the MP 18 submachine gun during World War I and later led the design of the Sturmgewehr 44, which influenced modern infantry weapons. After World War II, Schmeisser was taken to the Soviet Union, where he worked on arms development before returning to Germany in 1952. His innovations combined reliability and firepower, shaping the evolution of military firearms. Despite limited recognition during his life, he is now celebrated as a pioneer in weapon design. Schmeisser died in 1953, leaving a legacy in military engineering.

Les Haylen was born in 1898 and began his career as a newspaper editor and war correspondent. His reporting on global events gave him a reputation for informed commentary and leadership. Elected to the Australian House of Representatives for the Labor Party in the 1940s, he represented the constituency of Parkes. In parliament, Haylen advocated for cultural funding, education reform, and post-war reconstruction efforts. He was also a published poet and essayist, contributing to Australia’s literary scene. After retiring from politics in the 1950s, he continued writing and lecturing, influencing public discourse on national identity and the arts. Haylen’s dual legacy spans journalism, politics, and literature.

Derek Jameson (1929–2012) was a prominent figure in British media, rising from reporter to editor roles at leading tabloids such as the Daily Express. He became known for his candid writing style and engaging high-profile interviews. Later in his career, Jameson transitioned to broadcasting, hosting popular radio programs that showcased his wit and outspoken opinions. His work shaped the UK tabloid landscape and made him a household name. He remained a respected commentator on media and current affairs until his passing.

Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Edith Windsor worked as a technology manager at IBM for over four decades while quietly advocating for LGBT rights.\nIn 2007, she challenged the Defense of Marriage Act after losing her estate to taxes following her same-sex partner’s death.\nHer case, United States v. Windsor (2013), resulted in the Supreme Court striking down Section 3 of DOMA, granting federal recognition to same-sex marriages.\nWindsor’s victory energized the marriage equality movement across the United States.\nShe received numerous awards for her activism and continued speaking out for LGBT rights until her death in 2017.\nHer courage and legal victory paved the way for the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.