William Penn died today – 289 years ago

U.S. Quaker leader William Penn was born on October 14, 1644 in London, England. He said, “A good End cannot sanctify evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it.” [The end never justifies the means... period.]... Mr. Penn died in 1718 in Ruscombe, Berkshire, England.

German Chancellor (1871-1890) Otto von Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815 in Schönhausen, Prussia. He said, “Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made.” [Oh, I can handle it, can’t you?]... Mr. von Bismarck died in 1898 in Friedrichsruh, Germany.

U.S. writer Joyce Kilmer was born on December 6, 1886 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He said, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.” [And I bet it doesn’t smell as nice either.]... Mr. Kilmer died in 1918 in near Seringes, France.

U.S. actor Howard Dietz was born on September 8, 1896 in New York City, New York. He said, “Composers shouldn't think too much—it interferes with their plagiarism." [Have to think about that one... but not too much.]... Mr. Dietz died in 1983 in New York City, New York.

U.S. actress Lynne Fontanne was born on December 6, 1887 in Woodford, Essex, England. She said, “We can be bought, but we can't be bored.” [Hmmmm!]... Ms. Fontanne died in 1983 in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin.

French actress Claudette Colbert was born as Lily Claudette Chauchoin on September 13, 1903 in Paris, France. She said, “I bet you think an egg is something you casually order for breakfast when you can't think of anything else. Well, so did I once, but that was before the egg and I.” [I guess you have to see it to appreciate it... the movie, that is, not the egg.]... Ms. Colbert died in 1996 in Speightstown, Barbados.