President William McKinley was shot in Buffalo, New York on this day in 1901. McKinley was born on January 29, 1843 to William and Nancy McKinley, who were of Scottish and Irish descent. After serving in the Civil War, McKinley opened up his own law practice and eventually became the Prosecuting Attorney of Stark County, Ohio. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives … [Read more...] about September 6, 1901
Today In History
June 18, 1901
Denis Johnston, Irish playwright and protege of W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw, was born on this day in 1901. Johnston's first play, "The Old Lady Says No!" helped establish his career as a playwright. "The Moon in the Yellow River" (1931) is perhaps his most well known play. … [Read more...] about June 18, 1901
December 23, 1900
Irish film and television actor Noel Purcell was born in Dublin on this day in 1900. Purcell began his acting career at an early age, debuting on Dublin's Gaiety Theater stage at the age of 12. He also did vaudeville as a boy. He moved to film, acting in 1947's "Captain Boycott," and played a crew member on Ahab's ship in 1956's "Moby Dick." Purcell appeared in several British … [Read more...] about December 23, 1900
May 11, 1900
In an effort to regain the heavyweight boxing title, James J. Corbett, known as Gentleman Jim, was knocked out cold by James J. Jeffries in the 23rd round. Corbett, who was born in San Francisco, had won the title from John L. Sullivan in 1892 then lost it to the Cornish fighter Bob Fitzsimmons. Jeffries of Los Angeles defeated Fitzsimmons, thus setting the stage for what many … [Read more...] about May 11, 1900
April 3, 1900
On April 3, 1900, the boat carrying Queen Victoria for her third-ever visit to Ireland – and her first since 1861 – set down anchor in Dublin Bay. Documents from the Irish Office of Public Works recently emerged and indicate that her ship went off course on its way to Ireland, resulting in a longer voyage. It was the time of her annual trip to France, but she had been advised … [Read more...] about April 3, 1900