Born: New York, N.Y.Birthplace: 1927 Stain blocker for fabric (Scotchgard™)—Chemist Patsy Sherman discovered an oil- and water-resistant fabric treatment quite by accident while working for 3M on a…
(Encyclopedia) Dana, Francis, 1743–1811, American diplomat, b. Charlestown, Mass. Son of a prominent lawyer, he was himself a lawyer. He went as a colonial agent to England, then served as a delegate…
(Encyclopedia) Hawley, Joseph, 1723–88, political leader in the American Revolution, b. Northampton, Mass. He was a leader of the opposition to the revivalist preaching of Jonathan Edwards and helped…
(Encyclopedia) Koch, Jim (C. James Koch)Koch, Jimk&oobreve;k [key], 1949–, American brewery executive, b. Cincinnati. Although he came from a family of brewers, he initially worked for Outward…
(Encyclopedia) Pynchon, JohnPynchon, Johnpĭnˈchən [key], c.1626–1703, American colonist and merchant, b. England; son of William Pynchon. He emigrated to Massachusetts Bay colony with his father in…
(Encyclopedia) Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792–1864, American statesman, vice president of the United States (1845–49), b. Philadelphia; son of Alexander James Dallas. He read law, was admitted (1813)…
(Encyclopedia) Ghent, Treaty of, 1814, agreement ending the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. It was signed at Ghent, Belgium, on Dec. 24, 1814, and ratified by the U.S. Senate…
(Encyclopedia) Barnburners, radical element of the Democratic party in New York state from 1842 to 1848, opposed to the conservative Hunkers. The name derives from the fabled Dutchman who burned his…
George W. Bush (the 43rd president) is the son of George Bush (the 41st president). John Quincy Adams (the 6th president) was the son of John Adams (the 2nd president). Benjamin Harrison (the…
(Encyclopedia) Burnet, David GouverneurBurnet, David Gouverneurgŭvˌən&oobreve;rˈ bûrˈnĭt [key], 1788–1870, provisional president of Texas (1836), b. Newark, N.J.; son of William Burnet (1730–91…