1838 — John Hay was born in Salem, Ind. He began a long government career by serving as private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln. Later he was United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
1864 — A “Soldiers’ Picnic” was held at Early’s Grove in Terre Haute. The event was to honor the “brave and gallant defenders of our country” who were home from the Civil War. Guests included Illinois Governor Richard Yates and Judge James Hughes.
1896 — William Jennings Bryan, candidate for United States President, made several stops in Indiana. In Logansport, the Pharos-Tribune newspaper reported that 50,000 citizens heard the great orator and witnessed a “night parade, fireworks, transparencies, and illuminations.”
1912 — The Chambers Company of Shelbyville began producing sturdy and stylish stoves that were sold throughout the nation. The company introduced many innovations in cooking equipment and won national and international awards.
1944 — Wendell Willkie died in New York at the age of 52. Born in Elwood, he attended Indiana University and became a corporate attorney. In 1940, he waged a highly-spirited campaign for President of the United States. His national campaign headquarters were located in the Durbin Hotel in Rushville. He lost the election to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won a third term. Willkie’s book One World was a best-seller.
1959 — Evangelist Billy Graham was in Indianapolis for a 26-day crusade at the State Fairgrounds Coliseum. He was welcomed to the city by Governor Harold Handley and Mayor Charles Boswell. Graham preached a different sermon each day and was accompanied by a large choir representing many local churches.