Today in History - History - December 16th

1918Jack Dempsey KOs Carl Morris in 14 seconds

1930Golfer Bobby Jones wins James E Sullivan Award

1966Jimi Hendrix Experience releases its 1st single, "Hey Joe," in the UK

1913Charlie Chaplin began his film career at Keystone for $150 a week

1993Shannen Doherty (Brenda) is fired from Beverly Hills 90210

1978Ronald Reagan denounces President Jimmy Carter's recognition of China PR

1983Yogi Berra named Yankee manager for 2nd time

1942Hitler orders combat against partisans in Russia & Balkan

1939Bradman scores 251* SA v NSW, 271 minutes, 38 fours 2 sixes

1938Bradman scores 143 South Aust v NSW, 11 fours 91 singles

1938Jimmie Lee Jackson, Marion Alabama, American civil rights protestor

1917Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Minehead England, science fiction author (2001, 2010, Childhood's End)

1901Margaret Mead, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, American anthropologist (Coming of Age in Samoa)

1770Ludwig van Beethoven, Bonn, Germany, composer (5th Symphony, Ode to Joy), (d. 1827)

1775Jane Austen, Winchester, Hampshire, novelist (Pride and Prejudice), (d. 1817)

1485Catherine of Aragon, Madrid, Spanish princess/1st wife of Henry VIII, (d. 1536)

1991NBA center David Robinson (26) weds Valerie Hoggatt at a Baptist church ceremony in San Antonio, Texas

2000Tennis player Todd Martin (30) weds Amy Martin in New Jersey

2005American singer-songwriter and TV personality Jessica Simpson (25) divorces singer-songwriter Nick Lachey (31) due to irreconcilable differences

1809Napoleon Bonaparte divorces Empress Joséphine by French Senate

1859Wilhelm Grimm, writer, dies at 73

1980Harland Sanders, founder Kentucky Fried Chicken, dies at 90