December 31

A granddaughter of King Edward III, Margaret married into the Beaufort family, strengthening ties between royal and noble houses. Through her children, she became an ancestor of significant figures in the Wars of the Roses. Margaret managed estates and acted as a patron to religious institutions, sponsoring charitable works. Her correspondence reveals her active role in family networks and courtly affairs during the early 15th century. Though less visible in traditional political narratives, her strategic marriages and alliances left a lasting mark on English nobility.

Carlo Gimach (1651–1730) was a Maltese architect and engineer who contributed to the Baroque architectural landscape of Italy and Malta with projects that blended classical and ornate elements. He designed chapels, palaces, and civil buildings, showcasing versatility and innovation in his structural works. Beyond architecture, Gimach composed Latin and Italian verses, exploring religious and philosophical themes in his poetry. His multidisciplinary talents exemplified the Baroque era's fusion of arts and sciences. He corresponded with prominent intellectuals of his time, reflecting his engagement in contemporary scholarly circles. Though some of his architectural works have been altered or lost, his literary contributions endure as a testament to his poetic skill.

Born in 1884, Hoxsey joined the Wright Exhibition Team in 1910, becoming one of the first civilian pilots trained by the Wright brothers. He achieved a world record altitude of over 4,900 feet in March 1910. Known for daring demonstrations, Hoxsey entertained crowds across America but faced constant risk. In December 1910, he tragically died in a crash during a test flight in California. His pioneering spirit and contributions to early aviation helped lay the groundwork for the future of flight.

Born in 1868, Moisant first worked as an engineer before turning to aviation in 1910. He co-designed and built early aircraft, focusing on reliability and performance. Moisant famously piloted a monoplane across the Gulf of Mexico and competed in international air meets, showcasing American ingenuity. He organized the Moisant International Aviators exhibition team, influencing airshow culture. In December 1910, Moisant died in a flying accident in New Orleans. His engineering innovations and public demonstrations significantly advanced early aviation.

Born in 1892 in Würzburg, Germany, Gerber immigrated to the United States as a teenager and served in the Army during World War I. In 1924, he founded the Society for Human Rights in Chicago, pioneering organized advocacy for homosexual rights. Despite brief success, the group disbanded after members faced police harassment and legal persecution. Gerber later faded into obscurity, his contributions overlooked for decades within LGBT history. Today, he is recognized as a trailblazer whose early activism helped lay the groundwork for the modern gay rights movement.

Born in 1929, Jerry Turner built a career in American journalism, covering a range of events from local affairs to national news. He was respected for his clear writing style and commitment to factual reporting. Turner's work provided insight into social and political changes in mid-20th-century America. He influenced younger reporters with his dedication to journalistic integrity. Turner passed away on December 31, 1987, leaving a legacy of professionalism in the newsroom.

Born in 1891 in Pistoia, Giovanni Michelucci studied architecture in Florence and later taught urban planning. He emerged as a leading figure in Italian modernism, advocating for designs that balanced function with human experience. His most famous work is the Santa Maria Novella railway station in Florence, completed in 1935, which introduced modern aesthetics to a historic city. Michelucci also designed churches, civic buildings, and contributed to post-war reconstruction projects across Italy. He authored essays on architecture and urban sociology, influencing generations of architects with his humanist approach. Michelucci passed away on December 31, 1990, leaving a legacy of innovative design and thoughtful urban spaces.

Born Teena Renae Brandon in 1972, he identified as male and lived as Brandon Teena in Falls City, Nebraska. In 1993, after his transgender status was revealed, he was raped and murdered in Humboldt, Nebraska. The brutality of his killing and lack of legal protections for transgender people sparked outrage and calls for hate crime legislation. Teena's story inspired the 1999 film 'Boys Don't Cry,' which raised awareness of trans issues and earned critical acclaim. His life and death remain a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the United States.

Born in 1945 on a farm in County Cork, Ireland, Big Bertha became famous for her longevity and fertility. She lived to the age of 48, setting a Guinness World Record as the oldest recorded cow. Over her lifetime, she produced 39 calves, earning a second world record for most offspring. Big Bertha attracted visitors and media attention, symbolizing exceptional animal husbandry and longevity. She spent her final years on a dedicated farm before passing away on December 31, 1993.

Bob Grant (1929–2013) was a pioneering American radio host who shaped conservative talk radio. He rose to fame on New York’s WABC during the 1970s and 1980s with his outspoken commentary. Grant’s direct and often controversial approach attracted a large and loyal audience. He later hosted shows on WOR and other stations, maintaining his distinctive voice. Grant was known for engaging debates and unapologetic opinions on social and political issues. He left a lasting impact on talk radio before his death in 2013.

Solomon Arthur Spiegel (1920–2014) was a United States District Judge in Ohio. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a legal career. Appointed by President Carter in 1978, he presided over the Southern District of Ohio for decades. Spiegel was known for his fair rulings in civil rights, labor, and environmental cases. He maintained a reputation for empathy and integrity on the bench. Judge Spiegel continued hearing cases until taking senior status, leaving a profound legal legacy.