Gwendolyn L. Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens. The first African American woman to host a national political show and moderate a vice presidential debate, she was widely known and respected for her integrity and ability to remain unbiased.
Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard was born on September 28, 1839, in Churchville, New York. She was a leading figure in the temperance and women’s suffrage movements in the late 1800s, though she wouldn’t live to see the passage of the 18th and 19th Amendments that achieved her goals.
John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. A popular figure in American folklore, he planted countless apple seeds, helping the fruit to prosper in America.
Celebrated American author William Faulkner was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi. Known for using a wide range of styles, Faulkner explored America’s geography, history, economy, and social and moral life in his writing.
Journalist Walter Lippmann was born on September 23, 1889, in New York City, New York. He’s been called the “most influential journalist” of the 20th century and the Father of Modern Journalism.
On September 22, 1956, the US Post Office issued its first commemorative stamp on colored paper. The stamp celebrated the 200th anniversary of Princeton’s Nassau Hall.
On September 20, 1947, former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia died. Voted the best former mayor in America, he fought corruption and revitalized the city.
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
Maureen Catherine Connolly-Brinker, also known as “Little Mo,” was born on September 17, 1934, in San Diego, California. For four years, she dominated women’s tennis, winning nine Grand Slam singles titles, over 50 consecutive matches, and was named Female Athlete of the year – three years in a row.