September 18

Born in 1857 in Brown County, Ohio, John Hessin Clarke earned his law degree from Western Reserve University and built a successful legal practice in Cleveland. He served as Solicitor General of the United States under President Woodrow Wilson and argued key antitrust cases before the Supreme Court. In 1916, Wilson appointed him as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, where Clarke was known for his opinions on civil liberties and federal power. He resigned from the bench in 1922 due to health concerns and returned to private life. Clarke continued to influence legal thought through lectures and writings until his death in 1945. His tenure on the Court left a legacy of progressive jurisprudence.

Tomás Burgos was a Chilean philanthropist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While specific records of his activities are limited, he is credited with supporting charitable organizations that aimed to improve education and social services for underprivileged communities. Burgos’s patronage helped establish scholarships and fund charitable institutions across Chile. His commitment to public welfare set a precedent for later social reformers. Born in 1875, he continued his philanthropic work until his death in 1945.

Tomoji Tanabe achieved distinction as a super-centenarian, living 113 years from 1895 to 2009. Born in Miyazaki Prefecture, he spent much of his life working as a farmer and embraced a lifestyle marked by discipline and moderation. Tanabe became one of the oldest living men in Japan and was recognized by the Guinness World Records for his age. He attributed his long life to daily exercise, a balanced diet, and a positive outlook. His life spanned three centuries of profound social and technological change in Japan.

María de la Cruz was born in 1912 and became one of Chile’s first prominent female journalists. She founded influential magazines and used her writing to advocate for social reforms and women’s suffrage. A vocal critic of authoritarian regimes, she mobilized public opinion and organized grassroots movements. De la Cruz endured persecution and exile after the 1973 military coup in Chile but continued her advocacy abroad. Her fearless journalism inspired generations of activists and journalists. She returned to Chile in the late 1980s as democracy was restored. She passed away in 1995, leaving a legacy of courage and commitment to human rights.

Peter Smithson was a pioneer of the Brutalist movement and a leading British architect in the post-war era. Together with his wife Alison, he founded the Smithsons practice, advocating bold forms and functional design. Their most famous work, Robin Hood Gardens, introduced the concept of "streets in the sky" for urban communities. Smithson's theoretical writings and lectures influenced architects around the world. He contributed to notable projects such as the Economist Building in London, showcasing his modernist vision. Smithson's legacy continues to spark debate over Brutalist preservation and the social role of architecture.

Bertha Wilson was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, breaking gender barriers in the judiciary. Born in Scotland, she emigrated to Canada and built a distinguished career as a lawyer and trial judge. During her tenure from 1982 to 1991, she delivered landmark rulings on constitutional law and individual rights. Wilson was celebrated for her clear, accessible writing style and her commitment to justice and equality. After retiring from the bench, she served on the Law Reform Commission and advocated for legal education reform. Her pioneering role paved the way for greater diversity on Canada's highest court and inspired generations of women in law.

J. D. Tippit was a dedicated Dallas police officer who joined the force in 1952. On November 22, 1963, he responded to the presidential motorcade shooting and was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald shortly thereafter. His quick actions in the aftermath of President Kennedy’s assassination have been the subject of extensive historical research. Tippit’s death highlighted the perils faced by law enforcement officers and became a pivotal moment in American history. He is remembered for his bravery, commitment to duty, and the unanswered questions surrounding the events of that day.

Born in San Fernando, Trinidad, Roach emigrated to Canada in the 1950s to study law. He became a prominent civil rights lawyer, challenging discriminatory immigration policies. Roach co-founded the Joint Action Committee on Immigration to advocate for minority communities. He represented clients in landmark Supreme Court cases, advancing human rights in Canada. Beyond law, he was an active spokesperson for racial equality and social justice. Roach's decades-long commitment to activism left a lasting impact on Canadian society.

Robert Pruett was an American inmate convicted of capital murder in Texas. In 2017, he was executed by lethal injection after spending nearly two decades on death row. His case drew attention to debates over capital punishment and legal appeals processes. The execution was carried out at the Huntsville Unit prison in Texas. His final statements reflected on his actions and the families affected by his crime.