September 19

Helena was the daughter of Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos and Augusta Theodora. As empress consort, she wielded influence at the imperial court of Constantinople. Her marriage strengthened the legitimacy of the Lekapenos dynasty in the 10th century. She played a role in diplomatic ceremonies and patronage of the church. After her husband's deposition, she retired to a monastery, where she spent her final years. Her life reflects the power dynamics of the Byzantine imperial family.

He was born Wanyan Aguda and united the Jurchen tribes to overthrow the Liao dynasty. In 1115, he established the Jin dynasty and took the title Emperor Taizu. He implemented military and administrative reforms that consolidated Jurchen rule in northern China. His campaigns challenged the Song dynasty and expanded Jin territory across the region. Taizu supported Confucian scholars and laid foundations for Jin cultural development. His reign reshaped East Asian geopolitics in the early 12th century.

He belonged to the Rurikid dynasty and ruled as Grand Prince of Kiev intermittently in the 1140s. His tenure was marked by internal conflicts and power struggles among Kievan princes. Igor II attempted to assert his authority over rival regional rulers in the Kievan Rus. He engaged in military campaigns to defend his realm against nomadic incursions and rival factions. His death in 1147 ended a brief and contested rule, reflecting the instability of the period. His life illustrates the dynastic rivalries that shaped early Rus' politics.

Ascending the throne in 1318, Go-Daigo challenged the Kamakura shogunate's authority. He launched the Kemmu Restoration in 1333 aiming to restore direct imperial rule. His reforms attempted to reassert the emperor's role in government and land distribution. Facing resistance from powerful samurai clans, his rule was ultimately short-lived. Exiled by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336, he later returned to establish the Southern Court. His struggle sparked the Nanboku-chō period, a time of divided imperial lines.

He inherited the duchy in 1342 and became a leading figure among French nobility. Peter I led troops in several key battles of the Hundred Years' War against English forces. His courage and strategic insight earned him respect among contemporaries. He fell at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, a major English victory under Edward the Black Prince. His death marked a significant loss for the French cause and the Bourbon lineage. He is remembered for his valor and dedication to defending his realm.

Edward Lewknor, born in 1542, was an English politician who represented multiple constituencies in the House of Commons under Queen Elizabeth I. Hailing from a gentry family in Sussex, he navigated the complex religious and political tensions of the late 16th century. Lewknor participated in parliamentary debates on taxation and local governance, reflecting the concerns of his constituents. Though few personal records survive, his repeated elections demonstrate the confidence placed in him by his peers. He died in 1605, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service during a formative period in English parliamentary history.

William Waller, born in 1597, was a prominent English soldier and politician who played a key role in the First English Civil War. As a Parliamentarian general, he secured notable victories at battles such as Cheriton in 1644, earning the nickname "William the Conqueror." Waller’s leadership and tactical acumen contributed to the early successes of the parliamentary forces in southern England. He also served as a Member of Parliament, bridging military and political spheres. After clashes with rival commanders, including Oliver Cromwell, he retired from active service. Waller died in 1668, remembered for his strategic impact on the course of the civil conflict.

Hans Christian Heg, born in 1829 in Norway, emigrated to the United States as a child and settled in Wisconsin. A fierce opponent of slavery, he became active in the Republican Party and was elected state prison commissioner. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Heg recruited and commanded the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, composed largely of Scandinavian immigrants. Under his leadership, the unit saw action in Missouri and Kentucky before Heg fell mortally wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. His dedication to the Union cause and immigrant soldiers made him a celebrated figure in Wisconsin history. Heg’s bravery and advocacy for abolition endure in monuments and memorials.

William Sprague, born in 1809, was an American minister who later entered politics during a time of national turmoil. Ordained as a Congregational minister, he provided spiritual guidance to his congregation while engaging in public affairs. Sprague held local and state offices, addressing issues such as education and community welfare. Balancing his pastoral duties with civic responsibilities, he navigated the challenges of a nation on the brink of civil war. Though records of his specific offices are sparse, his dual vocation exemplified the close ties between faith and public service in 19th-century America. He died in 1868, remembered for his commitment to both church and state.

Robert Mackenzie, born in 1811 in Scotland, emigrated to Australia and became a prominent figure in Queensland politics. Elected to the first Legislative Assembly of Queensland, he took office as Premier in 1867, leading the colony’s government through challenges of infrastructure expansion and land policy. Mackenzie prioritized the development of roads, bridges, and ports to support the growing pastoral and agricultural industries. He also championed fiscal responsibility, seeking to balance budgets amid economic fluctuations. After resigning in 1868, he remained active in public life before returning to Britain. Mackenzie died in 1873, leaving a legacy of early governance and development in Queensland.

James Abram Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March to September 1881. He began his career as a professor and lawyer before enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of Major General. After the war, Garfield represented Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly two decades, establishing a reputation for integrity and eloquence. His presidency focused on civil service reform and education. Garfield’s administration was cut short when he was assassinated by a disgruntled office seeker, making his tenure one of the shortest in American history. He is remembered for his commitment to public service and his tragic death, which spurred important reforms.

Sir Alexander Tilloch Galt was a key architect of Canadian Confederation and served as the first Minister of Finance from 1867 to 1868. Born in England, he emigrated to Canada where he built a successful career in business and politics. Galt played a central role in negotiating the terms that united the provinces into a federal dominion. During his tenure, he established Canada’s financial foundations, introducing budgetary policies to stabilize the young nation’s economy. He later served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, representing Canadian interests abroad. Galt’s contributions laid the groundwork for modern Canadian governance and finance.