December 28

Louise of Savoy was born in France in 1461 and entered religious life at a young age. She dedicated her life to prayer, contemplation, and charitable works within her convent. Her leadership and piety earned her respect among her fellow sisters and local community. Despite few surviving records, she is remembered for her unwavering faith and compassionate care for the poor. Her life exemplifies the role of women in the Church during the waning years of the Middle Ages.

Nicholas Bacon was born in 1510 into a prominent English family and trained in law at Gray's Inn. He rose to become Queen Elizabeth I’s first Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in 1558. As a leading legal authority, he played a key role in shaping Tudor governance. Bacon also served as a Member of Parliament and championed Protestant reforms. He was father to the philosopher Francis Bacon and established a legacy in law and politics. He died in 1579, leaving an enduring impact on the Elizabethan legal system.

Martin Eisengrein was born in 1535 in Bavaria and entered the priesthood specializing in theology. He taught at the University of Ingolstadt and became a leading voice against Protestantism. Eisengrein authored several influential treatises defending Catholic doctrine. His scholarly work contributed to the Council of Trent’s reforms and Catholic renewal in Germany. He died in 1578, remembered as a dedicated educator and reform-minded theologian.

Antoine Furetière was born in 1619 and became a prolific writer and scholar in Paris. He contributed to the creation of the world’s first universal dictionary, aiming to catalogue the French language comprehensively. Elected to the Académie française in 1662, he later clashed with its members over his dictionary project. His work was posthumously published despite official opposition, influencing future lexicographers. Furetière also wrote plays and satirical works, showcasing his literary versatility. He died in 1688, leaving a lasting legacy in French lexicography and literature.

Princess Elizabeth Stuart was born in 1635 at St. James's Palace, London. As the daughter of King Charles I, her early years were marked by the tumult of the English Civil War. In 1644, she was sent to the royal court in France for safety, living in exile with her mother. Her life reflects the struggles of the Stuart monarchy during political upheaval. Tragically, she died at the age of 15 in 1650, her potential never fully realized. She is remembered for her royal lineage and the hardships faced by the English royal family.

Johann Krieger was born in 1651 in Nuremberg, Germany. He served as organist at several churches, most notably at the court chapel of Bayreuth. Krieger composed over 600 works, including keyboard sonatas, toccatas, and motets. His music blended intricate counterpoint with expressive ornamentation, characteristic of the Baroque era. Though often overshadowed by his brother Johann Philipp, his compositions gained posthumous recognition. He died in 1735, leaving a rich catalog of church and chamber music.

Charles Cornwallis, 3rd Baron Cornwallis, was born in 1655 into a distinguished aristocratic family. He held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, representing royal authority in the county. Cornwallis also served as a member of the English Parliament and was involved in regional governance. His tenure saw the stabilization of local administration following the Glorious Revolution. Known for his loyalty to the Crown, he maintained his family’s influence in East Anglia. He died in 1698, remembered as a capable regional governor and nobleman.

George FitzRoy was born in 1665 as an illegitimate son of King Charles II and Barbara Villiers. He was granted the title Duke of Northumberland in 1683 and held several military commands. As a general, he served in conflicts against the Dutch during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. FitzRoy also acted as Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, overseeing the county’s militia. He sat in the House of Lords and maintained royal favor throughout his career. He died in 1716, remembered for his dual roles in military and political spheres.

Eliza Lucas was born in 1722 on the island of Antigua in the British Caribbean. After moving to South Carolina, she took charge of her family’s plantations at age 16. Lucas conducted botanical experiments that led to the successful cultivation of indigo. Her efforts transformed indigo into a major cash crop, boosting the colony’s economy. She corresponded with leading intellectuals and became one of America’s earliest agricultural scientists. She died in 1793, leaving a legacy as a pioneering female agronomist in colonial America.

Christoph Franz von Buseck was born in 1724 into a noble German family. He was elected Prince-Bishop of Bamberg in 1790, combining religious and secular authority. During his tenure, he navigated the turmoil of the French Revolutionary Wars impacting his principality. Buseck implemented administrative reforms and supported educational initiatives in Bamberg. Despite secularization pressures, he maintained the independence of his bishopric until his death. He passed away in 1805, remembered for his leadership and efforts to preserve ecclesiastical territories.

Born in England in 1763, John Molson emigrated to Quebec at age 19 and established the Molson Brewery in Montreal in 1786. He expanded his ventures to include banking and launched one of Canada's first steamship services on the St. Lawrence River. Molson's business acumen helped transform Montreal into a commercial hub and his financial enterprises laid foundations for future economic growth. A noted philanthropist, he supported local hospitals and cultural institutions throughout his life. His descendants continued to lead the brewery, making Molson a lasting symbol of Canadian brewing heritage.

Born in Geneva in 1775, Jean-Gabriel Eynard built a successful banking career across major European capitals. A passionate patron of the arts, he embraced Louis Daguerre's photographic process and produced some of the earliest surviving daguerreotypes. Eynard used his influence and resources to promote artistic and educational endeavors throughout Switzerland. He also played a behind-the-scenes role in Philhellenic movements, helping to finance efforts for Greek independence. Remembered for merging financial acumen with cultural patronage, his legacy spans both economics and early photography.