November 14

Born in 1649 in Paris to Breton nobility, Louise de Kérouaille caught the eye of the exiled Charles II and became his chief mistress after the Restoration. Elevated to Duchess of Portsmouth, she wielded political influence at the English court and acted as an agent for Louis XIV, securing funds and support for French interests. Her patronage and intrigues made her both powerful and controversial. After Charles II’s death in 1685, she returned to France, where she lived until her death in 1734. Her life exemplifies the intersection of personal favour and international diplomacy in the Restoration era.

Born in 1795, Policarpa Salavarrieta worked as a seamstress in Bogotá and joined the revolutionary cause. She secretly gathered information and conveyed messages for patriots fighting Spanish rule. Her daring espionage efforts provided key intelligence to independence leaders. Captured by royalist forces, she was executed in 1817 at the age of 22. Known as 'La Pola', her courage and sacrifice made her a lasting symbol of Colombian independence.

Born in 1840, Franz Müller emigrated from Germany to England and worked as a tailor in London. In 1864, he was suspected of murdering a British woman on a bridge in East London. His arrest and conviction were groundbreaking due to the use of photography to identify him, marking an early application of forensic evidence. Tried at the Old Bailey, Müller was convicted and sentenced to death despite his claims of innocence. He was hanged on November 14, 1864, at Newgate Prison. The case spurred discussions on criminal identification methods and justice procedures in Victorian England.

Born in 1861 in what is now Kerala, Nayanar balanced a legal career with a passion for writing. He contributed essays and news articles to early Malayalam periodicals, using journalism to highlight social issues and advocate reform. As one of the first short story writers in Malayalam, he captured local customs and rural life in his narratives. Nayanar's work provided a foundation for modern Malayalam literature and inspired future writers. Despite limited archival records, his influence is evident in the growth of regional journalism and literature. He died in 1914, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in Kerala's intellectual history.

Born in New York City in 1862, Henry George Jr. was the eldest son of economist Henry George. He began his career contributing articles on economic justice to his father's publications. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1910, he served one term, focusing on tax reform and social welfare legislation. George Jr. championed his father's single-tax concept, lecturing across the country to promote equitable land policies. After leaving Congress, he returned to journalism and continued writing on public issues. He passed away in 1916, remembered for bridging the worlds of journalism and progressive politics during the early 20th century.

Bluey was born in 1910 on a cattle station in Australia and worked alongside ranchers herding livestock. He achieved notoriety for his exceptional longevity, living to the age of 29 years and 5 months. Bluey's record stood as the second-oldest verified age for a dog, illustrating the hardiness of the Australian cattle dog breed. Throughout his life, he remained active and engaged in ranch duties well into his later years. His story has been cited in veterinary studies of canine longevity. Bluey passed away on November 14, 1939, and remains a symbol of canine endurance.

Robert Trout’s journalism career spanned over six decades, during which he delivered some of the first live radio reports from Europe during World War II. As a network anchor and correspondent, he covered landmark events including D-Day and the Nuremberg Trials. Trout was a founding voice on NBC’s Meet the Press and later hosted television programs, earning multiple awards for excellence in broadcasting. His clear, authoritative delivery set industry standards and inspired generations of journalists. Trout passed away in 2000, leaving a lasting imprint on broadcast news.

Sudhir Bhat was an Indian theatre producer renowned for founding the Suyog Mandal theatre company in Mumbai. He produced and promoted hundreds of Marathi plays, launching the careers of many actors and directors. Bhat was instrumental in bringing regional theatre to broader audiences through tours across India. He also organized cultural festivals and events that celebrated Marathi arts and literature. His managerial skills and passion for theatre helped sustain a vibrant performing arts community. He left a lasting imprint on Indian theatre before his death in 2013.

Gwen Ifill (1955–2016) broke new ground as a political reporter and news anchor, becoming co-host and managing editor of PBS NewsHour. Over her 30-year career, she covered presidential campaigns, major international events, and congressional hearings with depth and insight. Ifill was the first African American woman to debate as a moderator in a U.S. vice-presidential debate. She also hosted the political roundtable program Washington Week, earning widespread respect for her fairness and poise. A recipient of multiple journalism awards, Ifill inspired many as a mentor and role model for women and journalists of color.

Peter Florjancic (1919–2020) represented Yugoslavia in javelin at the 1948 London Olympics before turning to invention. Over his lifetime, he secured over 100 patents, including designs for plastic coat hangers, safety goggles, and lightweight shoes. His inventive mind persisted throughout adversity, surviving World War II by escaping a concentration camp. Florjancic’s inventions achieved commercial success worldwide and improved daily living. Recognized as one of Slovenia’s most prolific inventors, he continued inventing well into his nineties, exemplifying creativity and resilience.