| Bailly,
Jean Sylvain (1736-1793) |
| "Only from the cold, my friend." |
|
Jean Bailly, a member of the French Academy of Sciences, became the
first revolutionary mayor of Paris in 1789. Eventually, however,
the reign of terror ensnared him and he was sentenced to death. On
the scaffold, awaiting the guillotine, he was heckled by a spectator who
noticed that he was trembling. |
| Bankhead,
Tallulah (1902-1968) |
|
"codeine . . . bourbon" |
|
Tallulah Bankhead was one of this century's first show business personalities.
Her most famous movie role was in Alfred Hitchcock's film, Lifeboat.
Notorious for her outrageous behavior and habitual abuse of alcohol, opiates,
marijuana, and tobacco, Bankhead died in 1968 when a bout of Asian flu
was more than her emphysema could tolerate. Before slipping into
a coma after being hooked to a ventilator in a New York City hospital,
her only discernible words were barely audible requests for codeine and
bourbon. |
|
For more information:
The Tallulah Bankhead
Gallery
Tallulah |
 |
Recommended viewing:
Lifeboat
starring Tallulah Bankhead |
| Barnum,
Phineas Taylor (1810-1891) |
|
"How were the circus receipts in Madison Square Gardens?" |
|
P.T. Barnum was the most famous American showman of all time. He began
his career in 1835 when he purchased a very old hymn-singing slave
named Joice Heth and exhibited her as the 161 year old nurse of George
Washington. As an additional attraction, he added the preserved body
of a FeeJee Mermaid--in reality the top half of a monkey sewn to the tail
of a fish. By 1841, Barnum had earned enough to open the American
Museum in New York City where his attractions included General Tom Thumb
and--for a short time--Jenny Lind in addition to a host of animals and
sideshow attractions. In 1871, he took his "circus" on the road and,
ten years later, merged his operation with James A. Bailey's. After
taking his "Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth" on a triumphant
tour of London during the winter of 1889-1890, Barnum returned to New York
City. |
|
For more information:
P.T. Barnum |
 |
Recommended readings:
P.T.
Barnum: America's Greatest Showman by Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., Philip
B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt
Prince
of Humbugs: A Life of P.T. Barnum by Catherine M. Andronik |
| Barrymore
(Blyth), Ethel (1879-1959) |
|
"Are you happy? I'm happy." |
|
Ethel Barrymore, the famous American actress, had been bedridden from
rheumatism and a severe heart condition for some time when, on the night
of 17 June 1959, she finished listening to a Dodgers-Braves doubleheader
on the radio. She felt ill and asked for her doctor. After
he left, she talked with her maid, Anna Albert, until she fell asleep.
Barrymore awoke briefly at 03:00 the next morning and took Anna's hands
in hers. "Are you happy?" she asked, "I'm happy." She fell
back asleep and died several hours later without regaining consciousness. |
|
Ethel Barrymore's last words have also been recorded as "Is everybody
happy? I want everybody to be happy. I know I'm happy." |
|
For more information:
Barrymore,
Ethel |
| Barrymore
(Blyth), John "Jack or Jake" (1882-1942) |
|
"You heard me, Mike " |
|
John Barrymore was the most famous of his theatrical family.
He was an accomplished classical actor and one of Hollywood's first movie
stars. Although considered difficult to work with by many, Barrymore
could demonstrate considerable charm as well. Aware that he was dying
in the hospital, Barrymore requested to speak with a priest who was escorted
to his bedside by an elderly and rather homely nurse. The priest
asked Barrymore if he had anything to confess. "Yes, Father," he
replied. "I confess to having carnal thoughts." "About whom?"
asked the priest. "About her," answered Barrymore, pointing to the
nurse. |
|
Barrymore lapsed into a semi-conscious delirium shortly after the priest
left and only briefly regained lucidity before his death. Awakening,
he found a long-time friend, Gene Fowler, at his bedside. "Lean over
me. I want to ask you something," Barrymore whispered. "Tell
me, is it true that you are the illegitimate son of Buffalo Bill?"
"Yes," Fowler replied solemnly, "I am told that Colonel Cody was my natural
father, but we mustn't let anyone know about it." "I have always
thought so," Barrymore smiled. He then lapsed into unconsciousness.
Later just before his death, Barrymore woke and murmured something that
his brother, Lionel, could not understand. "What did you say, Jake?"
Lionel asked. "You heard me, Mike," was Barrymore's final response. |
|
"Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such
a conventional thing to happen to him" are frequently (and incorrectly)
cited as John Barrymore's last words. |
|
For more information:
John
Barrymore
John Barrymore, Shakespearean
Actor |
|
Recommended reading:
Good
Night Sweet Prince: The Life and Times of John Barrymore by Gene
Fowler
John
Barrymore, Shakespearean Actor by Michael A. Morrison |
|
Recommended viewing:
Dinner
at Eight starring John Barrymore and many others
Grand
Hotel starring John Barrymore and many others |
| Becket,
Thomas (1118?-1170) |
|
"For the name of Jesus and the protection of the church I am ready
to embrace death." |
|
Thomas Becket was appointed as chancellor of England by Henry II in
1154. He was a skillful, loyal, and ambitious administrator who became
a favorite of the king. When the archbishop of Canterbury died in
1161, King Henry arranged for Becket to assume the position in order to
bring the Church under royal control. Becket, however, took his appointment
seriously, became an energetic religious leader, and frequently opposed
the king. In 1164, after an especially ugly dispute, Becket fled
to exile in France and lived there for next six years. Henry
eventually was forced to reconcile with Becket, and the archbishop returned
to England. Becket continued to clash with the king, and one day
Henry was overheard to say that he wished he were rid of the troublesome
priest. Four of his knights took him literally, rode to Canterbury,
and hacked Becket to death in the cathedral. The atrocity shocked
all of Europe, and the Church quickly declared Becket a martyr. Threatened
with excommunication, Henry was forced to do public penance to keep his
throne. |
|
Becket's last words have also been recorded as "I commend myself to
God, the Blessed Mary, St. Denis, and the patron saints of this Church,"
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit," and, in Richard Burton's
portrayal, "Paratus sum pro Domino mori pacem et lubertatem per sanguinem
meaim goudeal Ecclesia." (I am ready to die for my Lord. May the
Lord's church obtain peace and liberty through my blood.) |
|
For more information:
St.
Thomas Becket
The
Murder of Thomas Becket by Edward Grim |
|
Recommended reading:
Becket
or the Honor of God by Jean Anouilh |
| Beecher,
Henry Ward (1813-1887) |
|
"Now comes the mystery." |
|
Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, was a fervent
abolitionist and one of the most influential American clergymen of the
1800's. His down-to-earth sermons and outspoken moral earnestness
helped make a national figure. His popularity lasted throughout his
life, surviving a sensational adultery trial in 1875 that ended in a hung
jury, an acceptance of Darwinism, and even his eventual rejection of the
divinity of Jesus. |
|
For more information:
Philosopher's
Corner Presents: Henry Ward Beecher |
| Beethoven,
Ludwig van (1770-1827) |
|
"Friends applaud, the comedy is over." |
|
Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer, was one of the world's greatest
musical geniuses. In 1792, Beethoven moved from the provincial court
city of Bonn to Vienna, where he studied with Haydn. His hearing
had begun to fail by 1798, but he continued to produce a massive volume
of music including numerous masterpieces. Unfortunately, the last
thirty years of his life were filled with a series of personal tragedies.
In addition to his deafness, he became depressed after ending a relationship
with an unnamed--and probably married--lady; he struggled through a series
of legal battles to gain custody of his nephew following the death of his
brother; he was plagued by financial problems and huge debts, and his health
began to rapidly fail after his nephew attempted suicide in 1826. |
|
For more information:
Ludwig van
Beethoven |
|
Recommended readings:
Beethoven
by Maynard Solomon
Beethoven
: His Life, Work and World by H.C. Robbins Landon |
 |
Recommended listening:
Beethoven
Lives Upstairs
Symphonies
1-9 |
| Behan,
Brendan (1923-1964) |
|
"Bless you, Sister. May all your sons be bishops." |
|
Brendan Behan was an Irish playwright and member of the Irish Republican
Army. Known for his especially sardonic humor, he based many of his
works on his experience in the IRA and the years he spent in spent reform
school and prison. He uttered his last words to a nursing nun who
was taking his pulse. |
|
For more information:
The Brendan Behan
Worship Page |
|
Recommended reading:
After
the Wake by Brendan Behan |
| Bell,
Alexander Graham (1847-1922) |
|
"No." |
|
Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish inventor who worked in the United
States for most of his life. While he is most famous for creating
the telephone, Bell also held an appointment as a professor of vocal physiology
at Boston University. There, he fell in love with and married one
of his deaf students, Mabel Hubbard. After forty-five years of marriage,
Bell was stricken with a fatal illness. As he lay dying, Mabel whispered
to him, "Don't leave me." In response, Bell signed the word, "No." |
|
For more information:
Alexander
Graham Bell's Path to the Telephone |
|
Recommended readings:
Alexander
Graham Bell : A Life by James A. MacKay
Alexander
Graham Bell : The Life and Times of the Man Who Invented the Telephone
by Edwin S. Grosvenor, Morgan Wesson, and Robert V. Bruce |
| Bernstein,
Leonard (1918-1990) |
|
"What's this?" |
|
Leonard Bernstein was the preeminent American composer, pianist, and
conductor of the 20th century. he became the Musical Director of
the New york Philharmonic in 1958 and later created a series of legendary
televised educational concerts for children. In addition to three
symphonies, Bernstein's compositions include West Side Story, Candide,
and Wonderful Town. |
|
For more information:
Leonard
Bernstein |
|
Recommended readings:
Leonard
Bernstein by Humphrey Burton
Leonard
Bernstein by Paul Myers |
|
Recommended listening:
West
Side Story
Candide |
| Billy
the Kid (alias - William Bonney; real name - Henry McCarty) (1859-1881) |
|
"Who is it?" |
|
Billy the Kid was a gunman who killed several men during the infamous
Lincoln County War in New Mexico. Wanted for murder, he was tracked
and cornered by Sheriff Pat Garrett. Garrett killed Billy with a
single shot to the heart in a dark room of a house at Fort Sumner when
he recognized Billy's voice. |
|
For more information:
Billy the Kid Outlaw Gang
Billy the
Kid Country |
|
Recommended reading:
Billy
the Kid: A Short and Violent Life by Robert M. Utley |
| Boleyn,
Anne (1507?-1536) |
|
"Oh God, have pity on my soul. Oh God, have pity on my soul." |
|
Anne Boleyn was Henry VIII's second queen and the mother of Elizabeth
I. She was executed after she fell into Henry's disfavor. From
the scaffold, she addressed the spectators who came to see her beheaded,
"Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law,
and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against
it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that,
whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king
and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful
prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign
lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to
judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you
all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy
on me, to God I commend my soul." Following her speech, she was blindfolded
and led to the block where she repeatedly prayed, "To Jesus Christ I commend
my soul. Lord Jesu receive my soul." As she placed her head
on the stone, she began to cry and spoke her last words. |
|
Anne Boleyn did say "The executioner is, I believe, very expert, and
my neck is very slender," but these were not her last words. She
said this to Mr. Kingston, the Constable of the Tower, while being consoled
by him on the day before her execution.. |
|
For more information:
Anne
Boleyn from the Six Wives of Henry VIII |
|
Recommended reading:
The
Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn: A Novel by Robin Maxwell |
| Booth,
John Wilkes (1839-1865) |
|
"Tell mother, tell mother, I died for my country. . . . useless
. . . useless . . ." |
|
After John Wilkes Booth fired a fatal shot into the back of President
Lincoln's head, he jumped from the box to the stage of Ford's Theater
in Washington shouting "Sic Semper Tyrannis," the motto of the Commonwealth
of Virginia. As he leapt, his boot caught in some bunting causing
him to break his left leg upon landing. He fled the city with a co-conspirator,
David Herold, and eventually ended up trapped by soldiers while hiding
in a barn at Richard Garnet's farm in Virginia. Herold gave himself
up when called upon to surrender, but Booth yelled back, "Captain, this
is a hard case, I swear. Give a lame man a chance. Draw up
your men twenty yards from the door, and I will fight your whole command."
When his offer was refused, he shouted, "Well, my brave boys, you can prepare
a stretcher for me." The soldiers then set fire to the barn in an
attempt to drive Booth from it as their orders were to capture him alive.
Booth began to shout, "Kill me! Kill me!" In the confusion,
at least one soldier shot into the barn. Booth collapsed, struck
in the neck by a round. He was dragged from the flames and onto the
porch of Garnet's house where he died mumbling. |
|
For more information:
John Wilkes
Booth's Final Hours |
|
Recommended reading:
'Right
or Wrong, God Judge Me': The Writings of John Wilkes Booth edited
by Louise Taper and John Rhodehamel |
| Bouhours,
Dominique (1628-1702) |
|
"I am about to--or I am going to--die; either expression is used." |
|
Dominique Bouhours was a preeminent French Jesuit grammarian who worked
endlessly to promote a high standard of correctness and purity in the French
language. |
| Bronte,
Emily (1818-1848) |
|
"I lingered around them, under that benign sky; watched the moths
fluttering among the heath and harebells; listened to the soft wind breathing
through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers
for the sleepers in that quiet earth." |
|
Emily Bronte, the English author of Wuthering Heights, was one
of the three Bronte sisters who channeled their oppressive and secluded
childhood experiences into a series of novels that influenced the direction
of modern English literature. Bronte published Wuthering Heights
in 1847, but her happiness and success were short-lived. She soon
became ill and died the following year. |
|
For more information:
The
Bronte Sisters |
|
Recommended readings:
Charlotte
and Emily Bronte: The Complete Novels |
| Brown,
John (1800-1859) |
|
"I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty
land will never be purged away but with blood!" |
|
John Brown, a shiftless American drifter, became actively involved--on
the anti-slavery side--in the guerilla warfare that wracked the Kansas
Territory during the 1850's . In 1856, Brown and six followers--four
of whom were his sons--snuck into Pottawatomie River country by night and
hacked five helpless settlers to death. Bragging about the raid,
Brown promised that, if he had the resources, he would lead a massive slave
revolt throughout the South. Despite professing outward revulsion
for Brown, a group of prominent Northern abolitionists agreed to fund this
campaign. Brown decided first to attack the Army arsenal at Harper's
Ferry and steal weapons to be used in his revolt. He seized the town
and the armory with a gang of 21 men on October 16, 1859, but was soon
overcome by local militia and regular troops led by Robert E. Lee.
Brown was arrested and convicted of treason, but his powerful arguments
against slavery during the trail were widely publicized and did much to
galvanize anti-slavery commitment throughout the North. Brown
was hung on December 2, 1859, and the Civil War began a short two years
later. The abolitionist conspirators who funded Brown's treason were
never brought to justice. |
|
For more information:
John
Brown and the Valley of the Shadow |
|
Recommended reading:
John
Brown: The Making of a Martyr by Robert Penn Warren
The
Secret Six: The True Tale of the Men Who Conspired With John Brown
by Edward J. Renehan |
| Bruce,
Lenny (Leonard Schneider) (1925-1966) |
|
"Do you know where I can get any shit?" |
|
Lenny Bruce was the original obscene comedian. Darling of the
pseudo-intelligencia and enemy of the establishment, Bruce's shows were
repeatedly closed by local authorities. Some critics attribute all
that is good (or bad, depending upon your perspective) with American stand-up
comedy today to Bruce. A heavy drug user, Lenny Bruce was found naked
and dead of an overdose on his bathroom floor with a hypodermic needle
stuck in his right arm. The man who found Bruce, John Judvich, claimed
to have turned down his friend's request for a fix several hours before. |
|
For more information:
Ladies and
Gentlemen, Lenny Bruce |
|
Recommended reading:
How
to Talk Dirty and Influence People: An Autobiography by Lenny Bruce |
| Bruce,
Robert, King of Scotland (1274-1329) |
|
"Now, God be with you, my dear children. I have breakfasted
with you and shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ." |
|
The grandfather of Robert Bruce lost his claim to be King of Scotland
in 1292 in a succession suit decided by King Edward I of England.
During the following decade, Bruce repeatedly switched his loyalty between
the Scottish independence and the king. Following the execution of
the Scottish national hero, William Wallace, in 1305, Bruce committed himself
to the Scottish cause and murdered his old enemy, John Comyn, King Edward's
choice to assume the Scottish throne. The next Spring, Bruce was
crowned at Scone and began an eight year military campaign to win back
independence that culminated with the historic English defeat at Bannockburn
in 1314. He spent most of his remaining life fighting the English
in Ireland and along the Scottish border until England formally recognized
an independent Scotland in 1328. Upon his death, he was succeeded
by his son, David II, |
|
For more information:
Robert Bruce |
|
Recommended reading:
Robert
the Bruce : King of Scots by Ronald McNair Scott |
| Buchanan,
James (1791-1868) |
|
"Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness
that at least I meant well for my country." |
|
James Buchanan was sworn in as the fifteenth President of the United
States in 1857. After Republicans won a plurality in the House of
Representatives in 1858, every important bill they raised--anti-slavery
or or otherwise--was either vetoed by Buchanan or failed to make it through
the Senate which was controlled by southern Democrats. The federal
government ground to a halt. North-South tension reached such a level
that the Democrats split into northern and southern wings. When the
Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, there was little doubt
that he would be elected despite the fact that he would not receive a single
vote in the South. Southern radicals began to advocate secession
rather than accept a Republican President. Hoping to achieve a compromise,
Buchanan challenged the southern states' legal right to secede, but also
maintained that the federal government had no legal right to prevent them
from doing so. When it became clear that the secessionist leaders
had no intention of discussing a compromise, Buchanan accepted the resignations
of his southern secretaries and sent the Star of the West to transport
reinforcements to Fort Sumter off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.
On January 9, 1861, South Carolina batteries fired upon the ship and drove
it from the harbor. Buchanan took no subsequent action and retired
to Pennsylvania after Abraham Lincoln took office in March. |
|
For more information:
James
Buchanan |
| Burbank, Luther
(1849-1926) |
|
"I don't feel good." |
|
Luther Burbank was an American horticulturist who developed hundreds
of new fruit, vegetable, and flower varieties. Influenced heavily
by Darwin's book, The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication,
he taught himself plant hybridization and developed a local reputation
in Lancaster, Massachusetts, for growing exceptional garden vegetables.
He moved to California in 1875 and started a small nursery. There
he began systematically to develop plants of special size, color, flavor,
and smell. Never trained in the scientific method, he relied on intuition
and kept few records of his experiments. |
|
For more information:
Burbank,
Luther from Encarta On-line
Luther
Burbank Home and Gardens |
|
