Mar 082024
 

Howard Hathaway Aiken (born Hoboken, New Jersey, 1900; died St. Louis, Missouri, March 14, 1973) invented the digital computer. He finished the Harvard Mark I, funded by IBM, in February 1944. He later created the Harvard Mark II, the Harvard Mark III (with some electronic components), and the Harvard Mark IV (with all electronic components).

Hannah Hoes Van Buren
Library of Congress

Hannah Hoes Van Buren (born Kinderhook, New York, 1783; died Albany, New York, February 5, 1819) was the first wife of Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States. She died from tuberculosis before he was elected to office. Children could visit a website at: Hannah Hoes Van Buren.

Josephine Cochran (or Cochrane) (born Ashtabula County, Ohio, 1839; died Chicago, Illinois, August 3, 1913) invented the first practical dishwashing machine in 1886. Cochran received Patent Number 355,139. Children can view the patent at: Dishwashing Machine. She founded the Garis-Cochrane Manufacturing Company shortly after the patent was issued. The company was renamed Cochran’s Crescent Washing Machine Company in 1897. After her death in 1913, the business was acquired by KitchenAid, now part of Whirlpool Corporation. Children could read Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochran’s Bright Invention Makes a Big Splash, written Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Sarah Green.

Kenneth Grahame (born Edinburgh, Scotland, 1859; died Pangbourne, Berkshire, England, July 6, 1932) was an author. Idea: He is most known for his book Wind in the Willows. He also wrote The Reluctant Dragon. Children can read his works at: Project Gutenberg. They can also learn more at: Kenneth Grahame.

Oliver Wnedell Holmes Jr

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (born Boston, Massachusetts, 1841; died Washington, DC, March 6, 1935) was one of the most important judges America has had. He was the son of Oliver Wendell Holmes, a distinguished writer. He fought in the Civil War and was wounded three times. He became a lawyer and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt. He served on the Supreme Court for almost thirty years. Idea: Students could read more about his philosophy and his court decisions.

Robert Sabuda (born Wyandotte, Michigan, 1965) writes and illustrates books for children. He is known for his pop-up books. He has written and/or illustrated at least 38 books. His books include The Mummy’s Tomb and The Knight’s Castle. Children can learn how to make different pop-ups at: Robert Sabuda.