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

_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ 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

___________________________ 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