October 22

Born in 1479, Jean Grolier de Servières served as Treasurer-General of France under King Francis I, allowing him to pursue his passion for books. He assembled a rich collection of classical and contemporary texts, which he shared with scholars and friends, promoting humanist learning. Grolier patronized skilled binders, commissioning unique and elegant book covers embellished with his personal inscription. His library represented the height of Renaissance bibliophilia and set new standards for private collections. Many volumes from his collection survive in major libraries, still bearing his distinctive gilt lettering. Grolier's legacy endures in the fields of rare books and bibliographic studies.

Born Charles Arthur Floyd in 1904 in Georgia, he became notorious for a series of bank robberies across the Midwest. Nicknamed "Pretty Boy" for his youthful appearance, Floyd was accused of destroying mortgage papers to aid struggling farmers. He was listed among the FBI's Most Wanted criminals and engaged in several shootouts with law enforcement. On October 22, 1934, he was fatally shot by federal agents near East Liverpool, Ohio. Floyd's exploits turned him into a folk hero for many Depression-era Americans facing economic hardship.

Born in 1924 in Paris, Môquet became active in the French Communist Youth at a young age. He participated in anti-fascist demonstrations and distributed leaflets opposing the Nazi occupation. Arrested by Vichy authorities in 1940, he was condemned to death as a hostage in reprisals against Resistance activities. On October 22, 1941, Môquet was shot at Châteaubriant, becoming one of the youngest martyrs of the French Resistance. His moving farewell letter to his family has since been read by French leaders as a symbol of sacrifice and defiance.

Born in 1872 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Mitchell left school early to work in a cotton mill and became involved in trade unionism. She joined the Independent Labour Party and helped establish the Lancashire Women's Labour League. An ardent suffragist, she organized protests and was imprisoned for her activism. In 1919, Mitchell represented British women at the International Labour Conference in Washington, D.C. Her autobiography, 'The Hard Way Up', remains a valuable account of early 20th-century social and political struggles.

Born in 1978, Jacob was kidnapped at age 11 from his hometown in St. Joseph, Minnesota, sparking a massive search and national media attention. His disappearance led to the enactment of the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act of 1994, requiring states to track sex offenders. For years his fate remained unknown, and his case became a symbol of the fight against child abduction. In 2016, human remains found near Paynesville, Minnesota, were confirmed to be his, and the man responsible confessed to the crime. His tragic story prompted changes in law enforcement procedures and greater public awareness. Jacob's legacy endures through continued efforts to protect children and support missing persons investigations.

Born Walter Lanier Barber in 1908, he gained fame as the voice of the Cincinnati Reds and later the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939 to 1953. His calm, descriptive style and signature phrases endeared him to listeners during baseball's golden era. Barber moved to the New York Yankees broadcast team, where he worked until 1966 alongside icons like Mel Allen. Beyond baseball, he called college football games and created instructional programs for broadcasters. He authored several books on sports commentary and mentored young announcers in the industry. Barber retired in 1966 and passed away in 1992, remembered as a pioneer of modern sports broadcasting.

Richard Helms joined the CIA in its early years and rose through the ranks to become the agency's eighth Director of Central Intelligence from 1966 to 1973. He oversaw covert operations during the Vietnam War, expanded human intelligence networks, and navigated complex global crises. After resigning amid controversy over CIA activities, Helms served as U.S. Ambassador to Iran, strengthening diplomatic ties during the Shah's reign. Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of intelligence analysis and discretion, earning respect from colleagues and world leaders. His memoirs and interviews provided rare insight into the inner workings of American intelligence.

Born Princess Géraldine Apponyi de Nagyappony, she married King Zog I of Albania and became Queen consort in 1938. Her reign was brief, ending with the Italian invasion in 1939, which forced the royal family into exile. Géraldine settled in England and later in the United States, where she engaged in charitable work and maintained connections with the Albanian diaspora. She was admired for her grace, philanthropic efforts, and dedication to preserving Albanian cultural heritage. Her life story reflects the turbulence of European royalty in the interwar period.

Eio Sakata (1920-2010) was a Japanese professional Go player who dominated the game during the mid-20th century. He earned the honorary title of Kisei and held major titles including Meijin and Honinbo, accumulating over sixty championships. Sakata authored influential books on Go strategy and helped popularize the game internationally through exhibitions and lectures. He served as president of the Nihon Ki-in, guiding the organization through periods of growth. Known for his bold and innovative play, Sakata inspired generations of Go enthusiasts worldwide. His strategic contributions remain a benchmark for aspiring players seeking to understand classical and modern techniques.

Betty Binns Fletcher (1923-2012) served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1979 to 1998, becoming one of the first women to hold that position. She was among the first female clerks at the U.S. Supreme Court and argued cases before state supreme courts prior to her federal appointment. Fletcher made landmark rulings in environmental law, civil rights, and gender equality, shaping jurisprudence in the western United States. Known for her meticulous legal reasoning and mentorship, she fostered opportunities for young attorneys and women in law. After retiring, she continued to sit by designation on appellate panels and advise law students. Fletcher received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to justice and the advancement of women in the judiciary.

Çetin Altan was born in 1927 and gained prominence as a fearless journalist in Turkey. He wrote political columns and novels that critiqued government policies and defended free speech. Altan faced censorship and legal challenges throughout his career for his bold commentary. In 1973 he was elected to the Turkish Parliament, representing Istanbul as a member of the Workers Party. He advocated for human rights and democratic reforms during a turbulent political era. After leaving politics, he returned to writing, publishing essays and memoirs on Turkish society. Altan's work inspired generations of Turkish journalists and intellectuals until his death in 2015.

Dr. Arnold Klein was born in 1945 and became a prominent dermatologist in Los Angeles. He specialized in cosmetic procedures, popularizing treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers. Klein authored several books and articles on skin health and aesthetic medicine. He served as dermatologist to high-profile clients, earning a reputation in celebrity circles. Klein lectured internationally and trained physicians in advanced dermatological techniques. His contributions helped lay the foundation for modern cosmetic dermatology practices. He passed away in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on medical aesthetics.