September 30

John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, was born in 1710 into one of England's most influential noble families. He inherited vast estates and quickly became active in British politics. Russell served as Lord President of the Council and held a seat in the Cabinet during the Seven Years' War. He supported the government of William Pitt the Elder and advocated for measured parliamentary reforms. A patron of the arts and sciences, he commissioned landscaping projects that influenced the English garden movement. Russell maintained intellectual ties with leading Enlightenment thinkers of his day. He died in 1771, leaving a legacy of diplomatic skill and cultural patronage.

Jacques Necker was born in 1732 in Geneva and built his career as a successful banker in Paris. He married Suzanne Curchod, a prominent salon hostess, which enhanced his political connections. In 1777, King Louis XVI appointed Necker as Director-General of Finances, where he sought to reduce the royal deficit and increase transparency. He published the 'Compte rendu au roi,' the first public report on state finances, earning both praise and criticism. Necker pushed for taxing privileged classes and advocated for greater accountability. His dismissals in 1781 and 1789 fueled public unrest that contributed to the French Revolution. He died in 1804, remembered for pioneering financial accountability in government.

Born in Valladolid (now Morelia), he studied theology and was ordained as a priest before joining Miguel Hidalgo’s insurgent movement in 1810. After Hidalgo’s execution, Morelos emerged as the primary military strategist, leading successful campaigns across southern Mexico. He convened the Congress of Chilpancingo and articulated the goals for an independent Mexican republic. Captured by Spanish forces, he was tried and executed in 1815, becoming a martyr for independence. His leadership and vision laid the groundwork for Mexico’s eventual liberation in 1821. He is honored as one of Mexico’s greatest national heroes.

Born in West Charlton, New York, Roberts began his career as a newspaper editor and publisher. He transitioned into politics, serving in the New York State Assembly and later as a state senator. Appointed Treasurer of the United States in 1897, he oversaw the Treasury during the Gold Standard era. Roberts managed the issuance of gold certificates and helped stabilize the nation’s currency. After leaving office in 1905, he returned to journalism and remained active in public affairs. His tenure reflected the financial priorities of the Gilded Age government.

Born in Pica Jurisdicción, Morales Bermúdez held various administrative posts, including ministerial roles. Elected President in 1890, he faced the challenge of rebuilding Peru after the War of the Pacific. He promoted railroad expansion to improve trade and regional connectivity across the Andean nation. His administration sought foreign investment and fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy. During his term, he dealt with political unrest and regional insurrections, striving for national unity. Morales Bermúdez died in office in 1894, remembered for his dedication to Peru’s modernization.

Bernhard Rust was born in 1883 in Hanover, Germany. Initially a teacher, he joined the Nazi Party in the early 1920s and rose through its ranks. As Reich Minister of Science, Education and National Culture from 1934 to 1945, Rust enforced Nazi ideological principles in schools and universities. He promoted curricula that emphasized racial theory and loyalty to the regime. Rust's policies led to the dismissal of Jewish teachers and the persecution of academic freedom. Following Germany's defeat in World War II, he committed suicide in 1945. His tenure remains a controversial chapter in the history of German education.

Lansdale Ghiselin Sasscer was born in 1893 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I. After the war, Sasscer practiced law and entered politics as a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and eventually to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1939 to 1953. Sasscer focused on agricultural policy, veterans' affairs, and infrastructure development in his legislative work. He retired from public office and returned to legal practice afterwards. Sasscer died in 1964, remembered for his dedication to his constituents and his service in both military and political roles.

Alfred Wintle was born in 1897 in China into a British military family. He served with distinction in the Royal Marine Light Infantry during World War I and earned the Distinguished Service Cross. Captured in World War II, Wintle made multiple escape attempts before being liberated. After the wars, he became a local politician and was known for his colorful speeches and disagreements with superiors. Wintle authored an autobiography recounting his adventures and controversies. His determination and humor made him a celebrated figure in British military history. He died in 1966, remembered as one of the most unconventional and spirited officers of his era.

Lester Maddox (1915–2003) was an American entrepreneur and populist politician who owned the Pickrick Restaurant in Atlanta. A fierce segregationist, he rose to prominence by refusing service to African Americans, symbolizing the resistance to civil rights. Maddox was elected the 75th Governor of Georgia in 1966, serving from 1967 to 1971. His administration implemented populist economic policies while maintaining segregationist rhetoric, even as federal mandates enforced integration. After his term, Maddox continued to influence Southern politics, later serving as Georgia's lieutenant governor from 1971 to 1975. His complex legacy reflects the tumultuous social changes of the era.

William Lewis Guy was born in 1919 and served as a lieutenant in the US Army during World War II before entering politics. He was elected as the youngest Governor of North Dakota in 1960 and served four terms from 1961 to 1973. Guy led efforts to modernize the state's infrastructure and expand educational opportunities, including improvements to the university system. He championed rural electrification and agricultural development, securing federal support for farmers during challenging times. After leaving office, he remained active in civic affairs and public service until his death in 2013. His legacy includes lasting reforms that strengthened North Dakota's economy and community welfare.

Born in Lingayen, Philippines, Ramos-Shahani earned her doctorate in international relations from a U.S. university. She served as the first female Philippine ambassador to Australia, strengthening diplomatic ties. Elected to the Senate, she authored key legislation on education reform and women’s empowerment. She represented the Philippines at UNESCO and co-founded organizations for global women’s advocacy. As a writer, she published essays on Asian culture and international diplomacy. Her career left a lasting legacy in both Philippine politics and global human rights.

Born in 1931, she began her career as a secondary school teacher in Essex. She entered politics and was elected Conservative MP for Billericay in 1987. Known for her independent streak, she frequently challenged party leadership on taxation and education policy. Her outspoken views earned her the nickname 'Mrs Angry' in the House of Commons. She advocated for free-market reforms and held positions on parliamentary committees related to education and finance. After leaving Parliament in 2001, she remained active in public debates until her death in 2015.