On 28 September in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 3 death anniversaries · 9 world events on 28 September
Birthdays
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James Edwin Campbell
28 September 1867 – 26 January 1896 (~29)
Born 28 September 1867 — would have been 159 in 2026
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William Hughes Mearns
28 September 1875 – 13 March 1965 (~90)
Born 28 September 1875 — would have been 151 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Herman Melville
1 August 1819 – 28 September 1891 (~72)
Died 28 September 1891 — 135 years ago on this date
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Edward Smyth Jones
March 1881 – 28 September 1968 (~87)
Died 28 September 1968 — 58 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin
In 1928, Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming made a groundbreaking discovery when he observed that a contaminating mold in a petri dish had killed off staphylococci bacteria. This mold was later identified as Penicillium notatum, leading to the development of penicillin, the world's first antibiotic. Fleming's discovery revolutionized medicine, providing a powerful tool to combat bacterial infections and saving countless lives. The introduction of penicillin marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, transforming healthcare and significantly reducing mortality rates from bacterial diseases.
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Birth of James Edwin Campbell in Pomeroy, Ohio
James Edwin Campbell was born on September 28, 1867, in the Kerr's Run section of Pomeroy, Ohio, a small river town along the Ohio River. He was the son of James Edward Campbell and Aletha 'Letha' Esther Starks Campbell, both originally from Virginia, and he grew up with two older brothers in a modest African American community.
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Ulster Covenant Signed in Belfast
On September 28, 1912, over 200,000 people in Ulster signed the Ulster Covenant in Belfast, a pledge to resist the implementation of the Third Home Rule Bill by any means necessary. The Covenant, which was organized by Edward Carson and the Ulster Unionist Party, was a dramatic demonstration of unionist opposition to Home Rule. The signing of the Covenant brought Ireland to the brink of civil war and forced the British government to reconsider its plans for Irish self-government.
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United States Army Air Service completes first aerial circumnavigation
In 1924 aircraft of the United States Army Air Service completed the first aerial circumnavigation of the world. The journey took months and required extensive international support. It demonstrated that fixed-wing aircraft could make the globe a connected navigable space.
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Battle of Tinchebray
The Battle of Tinchebray took place in Normandy, France, where King Henry I of England defeated Duke Robert Curthose of Normandy. This victory solidified Henry's control over Normandy and marked a significant moment in the struggle for power between England and Normandy. The battle not only influenced the political landscape of the region but also set the stage for future conflicts and alliances in medieval Europe.
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Antibiotic Discovery Enhances Hygiene Practices
In 1928, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin marked a turning point in medical science, complementing sanitation efforts by effectively treating infections. This antibiotic discovery revolutionized healthcare, leading to the development of numerous life-saving medications and drastically reducing mortality rates from bacterial infections. Fleming's work laid the foundation for modern antibiotics, transforming medical practices and public health worldwide.
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The Child Marriage Restraint Act Passed in India
The Child Marriage Restraint Act, commonly known as the Sarda Act, was passed in India in 1929, setting the minimum age of marriage at 14 for girls and 18 for boys. This legislation aimed to combat child marriage, which was prevalent in Indian society, and protect the rights of children. The act represented a significant step towards social reform and gender equality, influencing future laws and policies regarding marriage and women's rights.
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Battle of Tinchebray
The Battle of Tinchebray occurred in 1109 in Normandy, France, where forces loyal to King Henry I of England defeated those of Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy. This battle was significant in consolidating Henry's power and control over Normandy, impacting the political landscape of England and France. The victory also marked a shift in feudal allegiances, influencing the dynamics of power in medieval Europe.
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Indian Sarda Act Raises Marriage Age
The Indian Sarda Act, enacted in 1929, raised the minimum marriage age for girls to protect them from early and forced marriages. This legislation was a significant step towards women's rights and social reform in India, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender and marriage. By setting a legal age for marriage, the act aimed to improve the health and education of young girls, contributing to broader efforts to empower women in Indian society. Its impact continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about gender equality.