November 29

William of Septimania (826–850) was the eldest son of Pepin II of Aquitaine. Upon his father's death, he inherited the counties of Septimania and Toulouse. He allied with Moorish forces and local nobles to resist the authority of King Charles the Bald. For a time he was appointed Count of Barcelona, but his rule was marked by ongoing conflicts. His life reflects the turbulent feudal struggles of the Carolingian era.

John de Mowbray (1310–1361) was the 3rd Baron Mowbray, a prominent English noble. He succeeded his father in 1322 and held significant estates in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Mowbray was summoned to Parliament and participated in royal councils under Edward III. He managed local affairs and upheld feudal obligations during a period of political consolidation. His leadership laid the groundwork for the future prominence of the Mowbray family.

Lionel of Antwerp (1338–1368) was the third son of King Edward III, born in Antwerp and later created the 1st Duke of Clarence. As Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he oversaw the administration of English territories and worked to extend royal authority. His marriage to Elizabeth de Burgh brought significant Ulster estates under his control. Lionel was an early member of the Order of the Garter and a skilled diplomat. Through his daughter Philippa, his lineage influenced later dynastic conflicts in England.

Thomas Percy (1422–1460) was an English noble of the powerful Percy family, created the 1st Baron Egremont by King Henry VI. He commanded forces during the Wars of the Roses, supporting the Lancastrian cause. Percy held estates in Cumberland and Northumberland, upholding border defenses against Scotland. His military leadership and local influence made him a key figure in northern English politics. He died at the Battle of Northampton, exemplifying the high stakes of dynastic warfare. His legacy endured through the continued prominence of the Percy lineage.

Anthony Browne (1528–1592) was an English courtier, landowner, and devout Catholic who served under Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I. Created the 1st Viscount Montagu in 1554, he held positions including Privy Councillor and Knight of the Garter. Browne managed vast estates in Sussex, demonstrating administrative skill and loyalty. He played a role in significant events such as the trial of Lady Jane Grey and diplomatic efforts during religious tensions. His steadfast faith and political acumen defined his influence in Tudor governance. Descendants of his lineage continued to be prominent in English nobility.

Christian August (1690–1747) was the Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, a principality within the Holy Roman Empire. A member of the House of Ascania, he implemented agricultural reforms and managed his domain’s economic affairs. He also served as a general in the Prussian army, earning recognition for his leadership. His marriage to Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp linked him to the Russian imperial family; their daughter Sophie became Catherine the Great. Christian August’s diplomatic and military roles strengthened ties among European courts. His life exemplifies the interconnected nature of 18th-century European nobility.

Hamilton Rowan Gamble was an American jurist and politician who served as Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. During the American Civil War, he was appointed provisional governor of Missouri, striving to maintain the state's neutrality and constitutional government. Gamble's legal expertise and moderate Unionist stance helped stabilize Missouri during a turbulent era. He played a pivotal role in shaping the state's judicial system and upholding civil liberties under extraordinary circumstances. His leadership earned him respect as a conciliator and defender of the rule of law.

Morrison Waite was an American jurist appointed as the seventh Chief Justice of the United States in 1874. He presided over the Supreme Court during a period of post-Civil War reconstruction and industrial expansion. Under his leadership, the Court decided landmark cases on civil rights, federal power, and the regulation of commerce. Waite emphasized legal stability and balanced interpretation, guiding the judiciary through transformative national changes. His tenure influenced the evolution of American constitutional law in the late 19th century.

George Brown was a leading figure in 19th-century Canadian politics and journalism. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada and co-founded The Globe newspaper, using it as a platform for his Reform ideals. He championed responsible government and representation by population in the Province of Canada. Brown briefly served as the 10th Premier of Canada West, advocating for educational reform and infrastructure development. His efforts were instrumental in shaping public opinion and paving the way toward Canadian Confederation. Despite political rivalries, he is remembered as a passionate advocate for democratic principles and national unity.

La Fayette Grover was an influential figure in Oregon's early statehood era. Born in Bethel, Maine, he moved to the Oregon Territory where he practiced law and became active in politics. Elected as the 4th Governor of Oregon from 1870 to 1877, Grover oversaw economic development and railroad expansion. After his governorship, he represented Oregon in the U.S. Senate, championing federal support for western interests. Known for his oratory skills and legal acumen, he played a key role in shaping Oregon's political institutions. His legacy includes efforts to stabilize state finances and improve infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.

Empress Dowager Cixi was the powerful regent behind the throne of the Qing dynasty for over four decades. Rising from the lower ranks of the imperial court, she secured power as regent for her son Emperor Tongzhi and later her nephew Emperor Guangxu. Cixi's tenure saw the Self-Strengthening Movement, efforts to modernize China's military and infrastructure, and complex dealings with foreign powers. She supported the expansion of railways, telegraphs, and educational reforms while navigating conservative court factions. Her role in the Boxer Uprising and responses to the 'Scramble for Concessions' continue to spark debate among historians. Cixi's legacy remains controversial, balancing reformist initiatives with autocratic control during China's tumultuous late imperial period.

Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg was born in 1856 into a prominent Prussian family and studied law at Heidelberg and Berlin. He entered the Imperial Civil Service and rose through diplomatic and administrative ranks. In 1909, he was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Wilhelm II, leading the German government through significant domestic reforms and rising international tensions. His tenure saw the outbreak of World War I, and he navigated the challenges of wartime diplomacy, including debates over unrestricted submarine warfare. Controversy and political pressure over the war’s conduct led to his resignation in 1917. After leaving politics, he retired to private life and wrote his memoirs. He died in 1921 and is remembered as a central figure in Germany’s pre-war and wartime leadership.