Gregor I (1786–1845) was the first Cazique of the Principality of
Poyais in Central America, Inca of New Granada, and founder of the Order
of the Green Cross. Descended from both the ancient Kings of Scotland
and indigenous South American royalty, Gregor served with distinction in
the "Die-Hards" of the British Army's 57th Foot during the Peninsular
War, then rendered honourable service to New Granada, Venezuela and
Florida as a general during their wars of independence from Spain.
Becoming Cazique of Poyais in 1820, he returned to his native Britain to
offer the country's benefits to British investors and settlers, and
arranged transport for about 250 emigrants, mostly his fellow Scots.
Fewer than 50 ever returned from Poyais to Britain. He then attempted to
attract French colonists, but was frustrated when the French government
stopped them from leaving. Gregor died a hero; at his funeral, the
President of Venezuela marched behind his coffin. Many have tried to
emulate the policies he initiated as leader of Poyais, but few have come
close to matching his success.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_MacGregor>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1234:
An Englishman lost the Battle of the Curragh in Ireland, at the
same place where an Australian would win the 1297 Battle of Stirling
Bridge in Scotland many years later.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Curragh>
1789:
Frederick Muhlenberg became the first person to qualify under
the United States Constitution's strict mandate of what defines a head
of the household for U.S. government purposes.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaker_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives>
1976:
Apple Computer was originally founded to sell "do-it-yourself"
kits (example of a completed kit pictured).
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_I>
2006:
Several British policing agencies joined together to become
very serious and organised.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serious_Organised_Crime_Agency>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
gamergate:
(entomology) A worker insect that can become capable of reproducing when
the queen has died.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gamergate>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something
completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete
fools.
--Mostly Harmless
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#Mostly_Harmless_.281992.29>