August 22

Frederick II, known as Frederick the Gentle, was born in 1412 into the House of Wettin. He became Elector of Saxony at age 16, ruling from 1428 until his death in 1464. During his tenure, he implemented legal reforms and strengthened central authority. He promoted economic development by supporting trade guilds and mining operations. Frederick maintained peaceful relations with neighboring principalities and the Holy Roman Emperor. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the future prosperity of Saxony.

James Kirke Paulding was born in New York City in 1778. He gained recognition as a poet and satirist, co-authoring the Salmagundi Papers with Washington Irving. Paulding also wrote several plays and contributed to the early American literary scene. In 1838, President Martin Van Buren appointed him as the 11th United States Secretary of the Navy. He oversaw naval administration during a period of modernization and growth. After leaving office, he returned to writing and public affairs. Paulding died in 1860, and he is remembered for his contributions to both American literature and government service.

Ezra Butler Eddy was born in 1827 in Hull, Quebec, Canada. He began his career as a clerk before establishing a sawmill and later founding the E.B. Eddy Company in 1854. Under his leadership, the company became a major producer of pulp, paper, and paperboard in North America. Eddy was also active in politics, serving on municipal councils and advocating for economic development in Quebec. He introduced innovative manufacturing processes and expanded his business through strategic acquisitions. Eddy's vision transformed the regional economy and set industry standards for production and management. He passed away in 1906, leaving behind a thriving industrial enterprise.

William Lewis Douglas was born in 1845 in Rochester, New Hampshire. He began working in a shoe factory as a child and eventually founded the W.L. Douglas Shoe Company. His companies became one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world, known for quality and affordable prices. Douglas's business success propelled him into politics, and he was elected as the 42nd Governor of Massachusetts in 1904. During his tenure, he advocated for labor rights and temperance reforms. After serving a single term, he returned to his business ventures and continued to expand his shoe empire. He died in 1924, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of American industrial entrepreneurship.

John Forrest was born in 1847 in Bunbury, Western Australia. He worked as a surveyor and led several expeditions into the Australian interior, mapping unknown regions and establishing routes. Forrest's exploration achievements earned him widespread recognition and political support. In 1890, he became the first Premier of Western Australia, guiding the colony through economic development and railway expansion. He later served in the Federal Parliament, holding portfolios such as Postmaster-General and Minister for Defence. Forrest played a pivotal role in Western Australia's entry into the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. He was knighted for his service and died in 1918, remembered as both an intrepid explorer and influential statesman.

Milan Obrenović served as Prince of Serbia from 1868 and became its first modern King in 1882. He worked to strengthen Serbia’s autonomy within the weakening Ottoman Empire and pursued European alliances. His reign saw the introduction of legal reforms, modernization of the army, and efforts to unify Serbian territories. Milan negotiated treaties that balanced Serbian sovereignty with great power interests. Despite facing political intrigue and opposition at home, he abdicated in favor of his son Alexander in 1889 to maintain dynastic stability. His leadership helped lay the foundations for a modern Serbian state during a turbulent era.

Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk was a German jurist and politician born in 1887. He served as Minister of Finance under multiple administrations from 1932 to 1945. After Hitler's death, he became the head of the short-lived Flensburg government, de facto Chancellor of Germany. In 1945, he also served briefly as acting Foreign Minister during the final days of World War II. A member of the conservative aristocracy, he navigated the tumultuous political landscape of Nazi Germany. After the war, he was interned and later released, publishing memoirs of his time in government. He died in 1977, remembered as one of the last high-ranking officials of the Third Reich.

Born in 1895 in Saint-Léonard, Quebec, Paul Comtois studied law and began a career as a barrister before entering politics. He served as a Member of Parliament and held ministerial positions in the federal government. In 1961, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, representing the Crown and performing ceremonial duties. Comtois focused on promoting Quebec's cultural heritage and supporting charitable causes. His tenure ended tragically in 1966 when he died in a fire at the lieutenant governor's residence. He is remembered for his dedication to public service and his contributions to Quebec's civic life.

Born in 1902 in Seattle, Thomas Pelly practiced law before entering politics. Elected to Congress in 1952, he represented Washington's First District for ten terms until 1973. Pelly served on the House Armed Services and Post Office committees, advocating for defense readiness and improved postal services. He supported environmental conservation initiatives and economic development in his home state. Known for his accessible constituent service, he maintained strong local engagement. After retiring from politics, he remained active in community affairs. Pelly passed away in 1973, leaving a record of dedicated legislative work.

Born in 1904, Deng Xiaoping joined the Communist Party of China and fought in the Chinese Civil War as a member of the Red Army. He rose through the party ranks to become the People's Republic of China's first Vice Premier in 1954. After weathering the Cultural Revolution, he emerged as the paramount leader and architect of China's economic renewal. Deng introduced landmark 'Reform and Opening-up' policies that shifted China toward a socialist market economy. His pragmatic leadership fostered rapid industrial growth and integration with the global economy. Under his guidance, China embarked on modernization programs that reshaped its society and international stature. Deng passed away in 1997, leaving a profound legacy as the leader who propelled China onto the world stage.

Edward Szczepanik was an economist and World War II veteran who led the Polish government in exile from 1986 to 1990. After escaping Soviet captivity, he earned his Ph.D. in economics at the London School of Economics and held professorships abroad. As the 15th Prime Minister of the Polish Republic in Exile, he worked to preserve Poland's democratic institutions during communist rule. He oversaw the orderly transfer of authority back to a democratically elected government after the fall of communism. Szczepanik's leadership bridged Poland's wartime diaspora and its rebirth as a free nation.

Born in 1938, Jean Berkey established a successful career in the private sector before entering politics. As a business leader, she developed a local enterprise that provided jobs and economic growth. Inspired to effect change on a broader scale, she ran for public office and served in her state legislature. During her tenure, she advocated for policies supporting entrepreneurs and community development. She continued to mentor emerging business owners until her death in 2013.