January 17

Jonathan Singletary Dunham was one of the earliest colonial settlers in New Jersey. He established a gristmill on the Rahway River and laid the foundations for the town of Woodbridge. Dunham's landholdings and civic leadership contributed to the region's agricultural and economic development. His descendants played significant roles in American history, including the presidency of Harry S. Truman. Dunham's legacy is remembered in the place names and institutions of Woodbridge Township.

Born January 17, 1853, in Seneca Falls, New York, Alva Belmont married into one of America’s wealthiest families. After her husband’s death, she devoted her fortune and energy to the women’s suffrage movement. Belmont hosted high-profile fundraising events, lobbied Congress, and led the National Woman’s Party. She commissioned the Eagle House residency for suffragists and supported militant tactics for civil disobedience. Her tireless advocacy and financial backing helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment. She died in 1933, remembered as a formidable strategist and benefactor of women’s rights.

Marcel Petiot trained as a doctor and served in World War I before establishing a private clinic in Paris. Under the guise of helping people escape occupied France, he lured victims to his home and killed them for financial gain. Investigations revealed the remains of dozens of unsuspecting individuals hidden in the property. His trial in 1946 captured international attention and became one of the most notorious murder cases in French history. Petiot was found guilty and executed by guillotine. His crimes highlighted dark abuses of trust by a medical professional.

Alphonse Gabriel 'Al' Capone rose to power in Chicago during the 1920s Prohibition era. He built a criminal empire through bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering. Capone's reign was marked by violence, including the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Despite his criminal activities, he became a celebrity figure and was known for his flashy lifestyle. In 1931 he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in prison. After his release, his health declined due to neurosyphilis and he died in 1947. Capone remains one of the most infamous figures in American organized crime history.

Thomas Anthony Dooley III (1927–1961) was an American doctor and humanitarian celebrated for his medical work in Laos and Vietnam. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he founded medical clinics and conducted public health campaigns, treating thousands of patients and training local healthcare workers. Dooley wrote bestselling memoirs like 'Deliver Us from Evil', raising awareness of Southeast Asia’s medical needs and influencing U.S. foreign aid policy. His dedication to global health earned him international recognition before his untimely death from cancer.

E. W. Swackhamer (1927–1994) was an influential American television director and producer. Over his four-decade career, he helmed episodes of popular series such as 'Maverick', 'Mission: Impossible', 'The Brady Bunch', and 'The Partridge Family'. Swackhamer’s versatile style spanned westerns, dramas, and sitcoms, earning him respect for his craftsmanship and efficiency. He also produced made-for-TV movies and mentored emerging directors. His contributions shaped the golden age of American television.

Brian Helgeland is an American screenwriter, producer, and director celebrated for his sharp dialogue and character-driven narratives. He won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'L.A. Confidential' in 1998, cementing his status in Hollywood. Helgeland also received critical acclaim for the screenplay of 'Mystic River', earning an Oscar nomination. He made his directorial debut with the medieval adventure 'A Knight's Tale', showcasing his versatility. His filmography spans noir thrillers like 'Payback', sports biopics such as '42', and fantasy dramas including 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms'. Known for blending dark humor with intense drama, Helgeland continues to influence contemporary cinema.

Jake Paul first rose to fame as a creator on Vine and later as a cast member on Disney Channel's "Bizaardvark". He built a massive online following on YouTube, posting pranks, music videos, and daily vlogs. Transitioning into boxing in 2018, Paul has headlined multiple high-profile matches, earning attention for knockout victories over fellow influencers and former athletes. Alongside his boxing career, he has released rap singles and taken on acting roles in films and web series. Known for his polarizing personality and promotional savvy, Paul has become one of the highest-paid influencers in the world. He continues to expand his entertainment empire through merchandise, event promotion, and social media ventures.