Today in History

Alfred Hitchcock, film's master of suspense, was born on this day in 1899. Although commonly remembered for his British accent, Hitchcock was of both Irish and English descent. His mother was Irish born Emma Jane Whelan. His father's mother was also Irish. Hitchcock was educated at a Jesuit school and remained a devout Catholic through out his life. Hitchcock also adapted Irish … [Read more...] about August 13, 1899

Oscar Wilde was released from prison on this date; he went to France, where he wrote his poem, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol." He was born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October, 16 1854, to William Wilde, an Irish doctor and Jane Francesca Elgee, who wrote revolutionary poems under the pseudonym "Speranza" for The Nation. After study at Trinity College, Dublin and … [Read more...] about May 18, 1897

Bill Doolin, famous western outlaw of Irish descent, escaped from jail on this day in 1896. Born in Arkansas, Doolin went west and worked several jobs as a cowboy on Oklahoma ranches. He eventually became a member of the Dalton gang, who attempted several robberies. In 1892, Doolin formed his own gang called the Wild Bunch, which became the most infamous outlaw group of the … [Read more...] about July 5, 1896

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was born Peter John Sheen in El Paso, Illinois, on this day in 1895. The Archbishop, who is often referred to as the first televangelist, was known for his preaching especially on radio. For 20 years he hosted The Catholic Hour on radio (1930-1950), which drew over four million listeners. In 1951 he moved to television presenting "Life is Worth … [Read more...] about May 8, 1895

Andrew and Abbey Borden are found dead on the morning of August 4, 1892. Infamous for the nature of the murders and the acquittal of suspect Lizzie Borden, the only other witness in the house when the murders were committed was Cork-born maid Bridget Sullivan. Sullivan provided the main testimony for the trial, claiming that after lying down after cleaning the windows, Lizzie … [Read more...] about August 4, 1892