September 26

Francis Daniel Pastorius was born in 1651 in Sommerhausen, Germany, and trained as a lawyer at Altdorf near Nuremberg. In 1683, he led a group of German and Swiss immigrants to Pennsylvania and established the town of Germantown on land purchased from William Penn. As burgomaster, Pastorius organized the community's civic institutions, promoting education, trade, and social welfare. He is credited with drafting the first written protest against slavery in the American colonies in 1688. Pastorius also pursued scientific interests, collecting plant specimens and documenting local bird species. Despite facing financial and administrative challenges under William Penn's provincial government, he remained a key figure in Germantown until his death in 1720, leaving a legacy of religious tolerance and civic engagement.

John Chapman (1774–1845), popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American frontiersman and nurseryman. He traveled through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, planting apple nurseries and promoting sustainable agriculture. Known for his eccentric attire and deep respect for Native American cultures, Chapman forged friendships and shared his saplings freely. His efforts helped establish orchards across the expanding western frontier and supported early American settlers. Over time, Johnny Appleseed became a folk hero, celebrated for his environmental stewardship and gentle spirit.

Henry Walters (1848–1931) was an American art collector and philanthropist. Son of railroad magnate William Thompson Walters, he expanded his father's collection of European and Asian art. Walters donated his extensive collection and adjoining estate to the city of Baltimore, creating the Walters Art Museum. Under his leadership, the museum's holdings grew to include paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and decorative arts. He advocated for public access to art and played a key role in shaping Baltimore's cultural landscape. His legacy continues through the museum's renowned exhibitions and educational programs.

J. Frank Dobie was born on 26 September 1888 in Elm Mott, Texas. He began his career as a newspaper journalist before turning to books on regional history and folklore. Dobie’s vivid storytelling captured the traditions and landscapes of the American Southwest. His collections of essays on frontier life became popular and influenced public perceptions of Texas. He lectured widely and mentored emerging writers throughout his career. Dobie died in 1964, leaving a lasting reputation as a beloved chronicler of regional culture.

Born Umberto Anastasio, he emigrated from Italy to the United States as a teenager. He rose through the ranks of organized crime during Prohibition. He became a founding member of Murder, Inc., a gang responsible for contract killings. Anastasia assumed control of the Gambino crime family in the 1950s. He was notorious for his brutality and leadership style. His career ended when he was assassinated in a barber shop in 1957.

Al Helfer began his broadcasting career in the 1930s, covering college sports and boxing. He earned the nickname 'Mr. Radio Baseball' during his tenure calling Major League Baseball games. Helfer worked for various networks, including Mutual and NBC, covering the World Series and All-Star games. He also broadcast football games, including NFL matchups and the Olympic Games. His clear voice and vivid descriptions set the standard for future sports announcers. Helfer was inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame posthumously.

Jack LaLanne was a trailblazing fitness instructor and television host, often called the "Godfather of Fitness." He hosted The Jack LaLanne Show for over three decades, introducing millions to calisthenics, weight training and healthy eating habits. LaLanne set multiple world records for physical feats, including swimming handcuffed and towing boats. He opened one of the first modern health clubs in the United States and invented numerous exercise machines. His philosophy emphasized daily exercise and proper nutrition, influencing the spread of health clubs and fitness programs across America.

Born in 1923, Hugh Griffiths showed early promise as a cricketer before pursuing law. He was called to the bar and built a respected legal practice, earning appointment as Queen's Counsel. In 1971, he was appointed to the High Court and later promoted to the Court of Appeal in 1981. In 1984, he was made a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and created a life peer as Baron Griffiths. On the bench, he delivered influential judgments in administrative and commercial law. After retiring in 1989, he remained active in legal circles and advisory roles. He passed away in 2015, remembered for his dual legacy in sport and the judiciary.

Kenneth Parnell became notorious in the 1970s for kidnapping and sexually abusing minors, drawing widespread media attention. He was convicted of multiple counts of child sexual assault and received lengthy prison sentences. Parnell's repeated paroles and escapes led to public outrage and calls for stricter offender monitoring. His case prompted legislative changes in the United States regarding child protection and sex offender registration. Parnell died in custody in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and legal reform.

Lars-Jacob Krogh (1938–2010) was a Norwegian journalist and television producer. He graduated from the University of Oslo with a degree in political science and joined NRK in the early 1960s, becoming one of the broadcaster's leading news anchors. Known for his calm and authoritative presentation style, Krogh conducted insightful interviews with political figures and produced documentaries that examined social and cultural issues across Norway. Over his career, he received multiple awards, including a lifetime achievement Gullruten award. After retiring from anchoring, he continued to shape the media landscape as a consultant and lecturer until his passing in 2010.

Anne Robinson began her career as a newspaper journalist before transitioning to television broadcasting. She gained international fame as the host of the BBC quiz show 'The Weakest Link', renowned for her sharp wit and distinctive catchphrase. Robinson also hosted the US version of the show and fronted various consumer affairs programs. Her authoritative screen presence and incisive interviewing style have made her a household name in both the UK and the US. She has written for major British newspapers and remains active in media and public speaking.