Today in history

1773 John Hancock is elected as moderator at a Boston town meeting that resolves that anyone who supports the Tea Act is an “Enemy to America”

1844 In California, a grizzly bear underwent a successful cataract operation at the Zoological Garden.

1872 In the U.S., Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote in the presidential election. She never paid the fine.

1895 George B. Selden received the first U.S. patent for an automobile. He sold the rights for $200,000 four years later.

1935 The game “Monopoly” was introduced by Parker Brothers Company.

1940 U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term in office.

1946 John F. Kennedy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at the age of 29.

1956 The Nat King Cole Show debuts on NBC, the first variety program to be hosted by an African-American

1959 The American Football League was formed. 1986 The White House reaffirmed the U.S. ban on the sale of weapons to Iran.

1998 Scientists published a genetic study that showed strong evidence that Thomas Jefferson fathered at least one child (Eston Hemings) of his slave, Sally Heming.

1994 Former U.S. President Reagan announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease.

1994 George Foreman, 45, became boxing’s oldest heavyweight champion when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their WBA fight in Las Vegas, NV.