TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1227, Mongol emperor Genghis Khan died. He became one of the most significant and successful military leaders in history. He united the Mongol tribes and founded the Mongol Empire (1206-1368), the largest contiguous empire in world history. He was reputed to have killed 20 million people.

In 1587, in Roanoke, N.C., Virginia Dare became the first child born of European parents in the New World.

In 1670, Jean Talon arrived at Quebec for his second term as France’s Intendant of Justice, Police and Finance in the new colony. Talon conducted the first census in Canada, in the winter of 1665-66. During his tenure he instituted the “filles du roi” program, bringing single women to Canada to marry the single men here. Along with increasing the population, he diversified the colony’s economy, established factories, a shipyard, a brewery and a lumber trade.

In 1688, Puritan clergyman John Bunyan preached his last sermon before dying 13 days later. In 1678 he had authored “Pilgrim’s Progress,” an allegory describing the difficulties encountered in the Christian life while journeying through this world.

In 1850, French novelist Honore de Balzac died.

In 1869, William Hamilton was granted the first Canadian patent. It was for a fluid meter that measured gasses and liquids.