Today in History for 29th January 2017:
Historical Events
1785 – In a surprising announcement, John Hancock resigns as Governor of Massachusetts, allegedly due to his failing health
1860 – American College established in Rome by Pope Pius IX
1922 – Union of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador dissolved
1995 – 11th Sundance Film Festival: “The Brothers McMullen” and “The Young Poisoner’s Handbook” (tie) win Grand Jury Prize Dramatic
1996 – France will no longer test nuclear weapons, its president Jacques Chirac says, following international outcry over tests in the Pacific
2012 – 100th Women’s Australian Open: Victoria Azarenka beats Maria Sharapova (6-3, 6-0)
Famous Birthdays
1887 – Albert Conti, Trieste Austria, actor (Jazz Heaven, Doomed Battalion)
1900 – Marco Tajcevic, composer
1930 – Derek Bailey, English guitar virtuoso (d. 2005)
1940 – Katharine Ross, American actress
1973 – Darnell Stephens, NFL linebacker (Tampa Bay Bucs)
1976 – Ilmira Shamsutdinova, Miss Universe-Russia/best costume (1996)
Famous Deaths
1820 – King George III of the United Kingdom (b. 1738). Reigned 1760-1820.
1921 – Billy Gunn, English cricketer (11 test matches) and footballer, dies at 62
1993 – Michel Renault, French ballet dancer (Giselle), dies
1999 – Lili St. Cyr, American dancer (b. 1918)
2004 – Janet Frame, New Zealand writer (b. 1924)
2007 – Barbaro, American thoroughbred racehorse (b. 2003)