December 12

Álvaro de Bazán was born into a noble naval family in 1526 in Cádiz, Spain. He rose through the ranks of the Spanish navy under Charles V and Philip II. Bazán commanded numerous successful campaigns against Ottoman and French forces in the Mediterranean. In recognition of his achievements, he was granted the title 1st Marquis of Santa Cruz. He is credited with advancements in naval tactics and ship design that shaped the future Spanish Armada. Throughout his career, he maintained an unbroken record of victories. His leadership solidified Spain’s maritime dominance in the 16th century.

Lodovico Giustini was born in Pistoia, Italy, in 1685. He served as an organist at local churches and courts throughout his career. In 1732, Giustini published Sonate da cimbalo di piano e forte, the earliest known collection of music composed expressly for the fortepiano. His compositions blend Baroque sophistication with emerging Classical sensibilities. Though little of his music survives, his pioneering work paved the way for future keyboard composers. Giustini’s sonatas demonstrate early use of dynamic contrast and expressive nuance unique to the piano’s design. He died in 1743, leaving behind a rare glimpse into early piano repertoire.

Samuel Hood joined the Royal Navy in the early 1740s and fought in the War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years’ War. He distinguished himself at battles such as Toulon and Ushant, earning rapid promotions. In 1782, Hood was made 1st Viscount Hood in recognition of his service. He later served as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet during the French Revolutionary Wars. Hood also held a seat in the British House of Lords and briefly served as a Member of Parliament. Known for his strategic insight and calm leadership, he maintained a reputation as one of Britain’s foremost naval commanders. He died in 1816 at the age of 92, leaving a legacy honored by geographical names like Hood Canal in the United States.

William L. Marcy was born in 1786 in Massachusetts and began his career practicing law in Troy, New York. He served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1831 to 1833 and then as the 11th Governor of New York until 1838. A leading Democrat, Marcy coined the phrase “to the victor belong the spoils” to describe patronage politics. Under President James K. Polk, he was appointed Secretary of War and then Secretary of State, guiding American diplomacy during the Mexican-American War. Marcy played a key role in negotiating the Oregon Treaty and shaping U.S. territorial expansion. His pragmatic approach to politics and governance left a lasting mark on American public service. He died in 1857, remembered as a skilled negotiator and influential Jacksonian Democrat.

Karl Bryullov was born in 1799 near St. Petersburg and studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts. He gained international fame with his monumental painting The Last Day of Pompeii, completed in 1833, which captures the drama of the volcanic eruption. Bryullov’s style combines Neoclassical precision with Romantic emotion, influencing a generation of Russian artists. He traveled extensively in Italy, painting portraits of European nobility and intellectuals. In 1836, he was invited back to Russia to teach at the academy, where he mentored emerging painters. His works are celebrated for their vivid storytelling and technical mastery. Bryullov died in 1852 in Italy, leaving a legacy as one of Russia’s greatest 19th-century artists.

Henry Wells was born in 1805 in Thetford, Vermont, and began his career as a freight agent in New York City. In 1850, he partnered with William G. Fargo and others to establish American Express, innovating express mail and financial services. Two years later, he co-founded Wells Fargo & Company to serve the California Gold Rush market with banking, stagecoach, and shipping operations. Wells championed reliable, fast communication across vast distances and helped standardize express tariffs. As president of both companies, he oversaw their expansion into global networks of financial and transportation services. His vision transformed American commerce and facilitated Westward expansion. Wells died in 1878, leaving an enduring impact on the logistics and banking industries.

Stand Watie was born in 1806 in present-day Georgia and became a prominent leader of the Cherokee Nation. He signed the controversial Treaty of New Echota in 1835, which led to the Trail of Tears and eventual relocation to Indian Territory. During the American Civil War, Watie joined the Confederacy and was commissioned as a brigadier general, making him the only Native American to hold such a rank. He led Watie’s Cavalry, conducting guerrilla raids against Union forces in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. His resilient tactics earned him respect on both sides, and he was the last Confederate general to surrender in 1865. After the war, he served in the Cherokee Senate and worked to rebuild his community. Watie died in 1871, remembered for his complex legacy as both a warrior and a tribal statesman.

John Sandfield Macdonald was born in 1812 in St. Raphael’s, Upper Canada, and studied law at King’s College. He entered politics as a moderate Conservative, serving in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. From 1862 to 1864, he was co-Premier of Canada West, navigating political reform and religious tensions. After Confederation in 1867, Macdonald was selected as Ontario’s first Premier, leading the new provincial government until 1871. His administration focused on building public institutions, expanding infrastructure, and accommodating linguistic and religious diversity. Known for his conciliatory leadership style, he secured support from both English and French communities. After leaving office, he served as Chief Justice of Ontario until his death in 1872. His pioneering role laid the foundation for Ontario’s governance.

Gustave Flaubert was born in 1821 in Rouen, France, and initially studied law before dedicating himself to writing. His landmark novel Madame Bovary, published in 1857, provoked an obscenity trial but ultimately established him as a master of style and psychological insight. Flaubert painstakingly revised his prose to achieve precision and emotional depth, influencing generations of writers. He later wrote historical romances like Salammbô and explored political themes in Sentimental Education. A lifelong correspondent with literary figures such as George Sand, he advocated for le mot juste—the exact word—to convey truth. Flaubert’s work bridged Romanticism and modernism, shaping the course of Western literature. He died in 1880 at age 58, leaving a lasting legacy in the realist tradition.

Joseph O. Shelby was born in 1830 in Lexington, Missouri, and studied law before the outbreak of the Civil War. He organized Shelby’s Iron Brigade and led its cavalry in numerous raids across Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas, disrupting Union supply lines. Notable for his bold tactics, he fought at battles such as Lexington and completed a remarkable raid to the Ohio River. When the Confederacy collapsed, Shelby refused to surrender and led his men to Mexico to continue fighting or seek asylum. Many settled there in what became known as Shelby’s colony. His guerrilla warfare methods were studied by later military strategists. After returning to the United States in the 1870s, he resumed law practice. Shelby died in 1897, remembered as one of the most resourceful Confederate commanders.

Adolf Bötticher was a German journalist and historian born in 1842. He specialized in the study of art and architectural monuments, contributing to the documentation of European cultural heritage. Bötticher authored several works on medieval castles and churches, shedding light on their historical significance. His research supported early preservation efforts and influenced subsequent art historians. Throughout his career, he combined rigorous scholarship with journalistic clarity, leaving a lasting impact on the study of architectural history.

Bruce Price was an American architect born in 1845. He played a key role in the development of early steel-framed skyscrapers in New York City. His design of the American Surety Building introduced innovative construction techniques that influenced future high-rise architecture. Price also designed the Bank of the Metropolis, showcasing his blend of Beaux-Arts elegance and commercial functionality. Over his career, he contributed to railroad hotels and private residences, leaving a diverse architectural legacy. Price's work paved the way for the rise of modern urban skylines at the turn of the 20th century.