Historical Events1606 - Spanish troops under Spinola occupy Fort Rhine Birch1958 - Britain transfers Christmas Island (south of Java) to Australia1979 - Nigeria adopts a constitution, and Alhaji Shagari becomes president1981 - US's largest private investment bank, Salomon Brothers, is sold to commodities trader Phibro Corporation for $483 million1990 - Meteorite explodes above Pacific OceanMore Historical Events Famous Birthdays1901 - Jimmie Reese, American baseball infielder and coach (LA Angels Hall of Fame), born in New York City (d. 1994)1967 - Mike Pringle, American Canadian Football Hall of Fame running back (CFL MOP 1995, 98; Montreal Alouettes), born in Los Angeles, California1972 - Danielle Scott-Arruda, American volleyball middle blocker (International Volleyball HOF; Olympic silver 2008, 12), born in Baton Rouge Louisiana1981 - Deborah James, British teacher, journalist, author (You, Me and the Big C), and charity campaigner, born in London, England (d. 2022)1986 - Jurnee Smollett-Bell, American actress (Lovecraft Country), born in New York CityMore Famous Birthdays Famous Deaths1500 - John Alcock, English bishop and chancellor (founded Jesus College, Cambridge), dies at about 701901 - Abdur Rahman Khan, Emir of Afghanistan (1880-1901)1947 - Olive Borden, "the Joy Girl," American silent film and stage actress (Chloe, Love Is Calling You; 3 Bad Men, Fig Leaves), dies of a stomach ailment and pneumonia at 401979 - Roy Harris, American composer (When Johnny Comes Marching Home: An American Overture), dies at 812019 - Karel Gott, Czech singer 'Sinatra of the East', dies at 80More Famous Deaths