OCTOBER 12 | Birthdays and Events

Notable birthdays for October 12

William Shippen (1712-1801) - Physician who contributed to the development of medical education and military medicine in the U.S.

Lyman Trumbull (1813-1896) - U.S. Senator who co-authored the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.

Elmer Ambrose Sperry (1860-1930) - Inventor of the gyrocompass, which is still a widely used by marine, aviation, and military application.

Velvalee Dickinson (1893-1980) - American spy who was convicted of espionage for spying against the U.S. for the Japanese during World War II.

Anthony F. DePalma (1904-2005) - Orthopedic surgeon known as a pioneer and total hip and knee replacements.

Paul Engle (1908-1991) - Acclaimed poet who wrote American Song (1934) and Poems in Praise (1959).

"Harmonica" Frank Floyd (1908-1984) - Blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player widely known for The Ballad of Davy Crockett.

Doris Miller (1919-1943) - Naval cook and soldier who downed one plane during the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the first Black soldier to receive the  Navy Cross.

Jean Nidetch (1923-2015) - Co-founder of Weight Watchers.

Robert Mangold (1937-Still Living) - Minimalist artist who is well-known for his geometric shape and use of color in his works.

Scott O'Grady (1965-Still Living) - Air force pilot shot down over Bosnia, whose story became the inspiration for the movie Behind Enemy Lines.

Kirk Cameron (1970-Still Living) -Actor and screenwriter widely known for his role as Mike Seaver in Growing Pains.

Memorable Events for October 12

1773 - The first insane asylum (Eastern Lunatic Asylum) opens in Williamsburg, Virgina.

1792 - The first celebration of Columbus Day is held in New York City.

1853 - Bare knuckle boxer John Morrissey wins boxing title when he beats Yankee Sullivan after 36 rounds.

1854 - The Ashmun Institute (Lincoln University) opens near Oxford, Pennsylvania.

1871 - President Grant signs into law the Ku Klux Klan Act condemning racial acts by the KKK.

1892 - Students in public schools begin saying The Pledge of Allegiance each morning.

1900 - The first submarine is commissioned is commissioned by the U.S. Navy.

1901 - President Theodore Roosevelt renames the "Executive Mansion" to the White House.

1915 - Henry Ford manufactures its 1 millionth car at his River Rouge plant in Detroit, Michigan.

1915 - President Roosevelt publicly criticizes U.S. citizens who identify with dual nationalities.

1928 - A lung respirator made of iron is used for the first time at Boston Children's Hospital.

1933 - The U.S. government converts the military Alcatraz Citadel into the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

1933 - Gangster John Dillinger manages to escape from jail in Allen County, Ohio.

1950 - CBS debuts The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show on air for the first time.

1970 - The U.S. announces they will withdraw 40,000 additional troops from Vietnam.

1979 - Rookie Larry Bird makes his debut with the Boston Celtics.

1979 - Rookie Magic Johnson makes his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers.

1991 - TNN premiers the Statler Brothers Show.