November 08

Robert Catesby (1573–1605) was an English Catholic nobleman and the mastermind behind the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Motivated by persecution under Protestant rule, he recruited a group of conspirators to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The plot was foiled before it could be executed. In the aftermath, Catesby fled and made a final stand at Holbeche House, where he was fatally wounded. His daring conspiracy remains one of the most infamous events in British history.

Doc Holliday (1851–1887) was a trained dentist who left his practice to pursue a life in the American West as a gambler, gunfighter, and saloon companion. Afflicted by tuberculosis, he traveled in search of a drier climate but became infamous for his skill with a pistol and his composure under fire. Holliday forged a close friendship with Wyatt Earp and fought alongside him during the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. His sharp mind and fearless temperament made him both respected and feared in frontier towns. Despite his outlaw reputation, he was known for a strict personal code and moments of generosity to friends. Holliday’s short life and adventurous exploits have become emblematic of the Wild West.

Frank S. Land, a Shriners magazine editor, envisioned a youth organization based on Masonic values. In 1919 he founded DeMolay in Kansas City to teach leadership, citizenship and character. Under his guidance, the group expanded across the United States and into many countries. Land developed programs emphasizing service, mentorship and personal growth for teenage members. He remained active in DeMolay until his death in 1959, leaving a global legacy in youth development.

Born in 1913 in New York City, Dorothy Kilgallen began her journalism career as a reporter for the New York Journal-American. She quickly became known for her fearless courtroom coverage and her popular gossip and entertainment column. In 1950, she joined the panel of CBS's "What's My Line?", where she became one of the first women to host a national television show. Kilgallen also reported on major stories, including the Alger Hiss case, and interviewed high-profile figures of her time. Her inquisitive nature led her to investigate conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Kilgallen's sudden and mysterious death in 1965 at the age of 52 remains a topic of speculation and intrigue.

Rhea Chiles was born in 1930 and became a leading philanthropist in Florida, co-founding the Polk Museum of Art in 1976. Under her leadership, the museum grew into a vital center for exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. She advocated for arts education and partnered with local organizations to make the arts accessible to all ages. Chiles also served on multiple cultural and civic boards, earning praise for her vision and dedication. Her efforts left a lasting impact on Florida’s cultural landscape, and she passed away in 2015 honored as a champion of the arts.

Trevor Sorbie (1949–2024) was a Scottish hairdresser celebrated for transforming the industry through his avant-garde techniques and educational initiatives. He began his career at Vidal Sassoon salons in London during the 1960s before opening his own salon in 1976, which quickly attracted celebrity clients. His creation of the 'Deconstructed Bob' and other signature cuts earned him international acclaim and influenced hairstylists worldwide. In 1985, he founded the British Hairdressing Awards to recognize excellence in the profession and to nurture emerging talent. Sorbie also launched a successful line of professional hair care products, extending his impact beyond the salon chair. A dedicated educator, he traveled extensively to conduct masterclasses, championing creativity and technical precision. His legacy endures in the countless stylists he inspired and in the ongoing success of his salons and award programs.