November 10

Louis Lingg (1864–1887) was a German American carpenter and anarchist activist in Chicago's labor movement. He was implicated in the 1886 Haymarket rally after authorities accused him of constructing the bomb used against police. Arrested in a controversial trial with questionable evidence, he was sentenced to death along with several fellow activists. Facing execution, Lingg took his own life in prison just days before his scheduled hanging. His case highlighted issues of labor rights, political radicalism, and judicial fairness in late 19th-century America.

Gordon MacQuarrie was born in 1900 and became a leading voice in outdoor journalism. As editor and writer for Field & Stream magazine, he crafted memorable stories about hunting, fishing, and wildlife. His famous Frost Country tales combined humor with vivid depictions of rural life and nature. MacQuarrie’s work helped popularize conservation ethics among a wider audience. He published several collections of outdoor writing and influenced generations of nature enthusiasts. He passed away in 1956, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most beloved outdoor writers.

Julius Lenhart was born in 1875 in Austria and excelled in gymnastics during the sport’s early international competitions. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he trained and worked as an engineer, demonstrating remarkable versatility. He competed in regional meets that helped establish gymnastics as an Olympic discipline. Lenhart’s dual career reflects the spirit of early amateur athletes who pursued professional lives alongside sport. He passed away in 1962, remembered for his achievements in both gymnastics and the engineering field.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1912, Ernest M. McSorley dedicated over four decades to a career at sea. He served as a merchant marine officer before commanding the Great Lakes freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a severe storm on Lake Superior with all hands lost. McSorley’s leadership and seamanship were widely respected by crews and colleagues throughout his career. His tragic death became emblematic of the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Born in 1961, Noor Hossain became a student activist opposing the autocratic regime of H.M. Ershad. On November 10, 1987, he painted slogans demanding democracy on his bare chest and joined mass protests in Dhaka. He was shot and killed by police during the demonstration, instantly becoming a symbol of resistance. Hossain’s death sparked nationwide uprisings that eventually led to the fall of military rule in Bangladesh. He is commemorated annually on Noor Hossain Day as a hero of democracy.

Irving Kupcinet (1912–2003), known as Kup, began his career as a sports writer for the Chicago Sun in the 1930s. He launched Kup's Column in 1943, which became a cherished source of celebrity news and insider stories for over 60 years. In the 1950s, he transitioned to television with the talk show At Random and later hosted Nightbeat on WGN-TV. His warm rapport and keen eye for detail attracted a loyal audience across print and broadcast media. Beyond journalism, Kupcinet was deeply involved in civic and charitable causes throughout Chicago. His blend of news, gossip, and personality set the standard for modern entertainment journalism.

Born in 1960 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John Allen Muhammad served in the U.S. Army before returning to civilian life. In late 2002, he and accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo carried out the Beltway sniper attacks, killing ten people. Muhammad's crimes spread fear across the Washington, D.C. area and led to a massive multi-state investigation. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Virginia after a high-profile trial. Muhammad was executed by lethal injection on November 10, 2009, at the Greensville Correctional Center. The case raised questions about domestic terrorism, criminal profiling, and mental health. His actions left a lasting impact on law enforcement and public safety measures.

John Louis Coffey was an American lawyer and judge born in 1922 who dedicated his career to the legal profession. After practicing law, he was appointed to the federal judiciary, where he presided over numerous cases with fairness and integrity. Coffey was admired for his meticulous legal reasoning and commitment to upholding the rule of law. He also mentored young attorneys and contributed to professional legal associations. Throughout his service, he earned respect for his impartiality and deep understanding of the law. He passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the American judicial system.

John Grant was an Australian neurosurgeon born in 1922 who dedicated his professional life to advancing the field of neurological surgery. He specialized in complex brain procedures and was recognized for his precision and patient care. Grant trained numerous surgeons and was invited to share his knowledge at medical conferences. His research and clinical work helped refine surgical techniques and improve patient outcomes. Colleagues admired his commitment to innovation and his mentorship of younger doctors. He passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting impact on neurosurgical practice in Australia.