Today in News History

On June 21, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1631, John Smith, English admiral and explorer (born 1580) passed away. In 1639, (O.S.) Increase Mather, American minister and author (died 1723) was born. In 1676, (O.S.) Anthony Collins, English philosopher and author (died 1729) was born. In 1759, Alexander J. Dallas, American lawyer and politician, 6th United States Secretary of the Treasury (died 1817) was born. In 1788, New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution of the United States. In 1850, Daniel Carter Beard, American author and illustrator, co-founded the Boy Scouts of America (died 1941) was born. In 1865, Frances Adeline Seward, American wife of William H. Seward (born 1824) passed away. In 1880, Josiah Stamp, 1st Baron Stamp, English economist and civil servant (died 1941) was born. In 1898, The United States captures Guam from Spain. The few warning shots fired by the U.S. naval vessels are misinterpreted as salutes by the Spanish garrison, which was unaware that the two nations were at war. In 1918, Robert V. Roosa, American economist and banker (died 1993) was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.