Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Aug. 8: On this date: In 1471, Thomas Kempis, Dutch mystic and devotional author, died at age 91. His book "The Imitation of Christ" remains in print, a guide to cultivating the inner human spirit.

Today in History for Aug. 7: On this date: In AD 117, Roman emperor Marcus Trajan died at age 65. His attitude toward Christianity gradually changed from toleration to persecution.

Today in History for Aug. 9: On this date: In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier discovered the Mingan Islands, between Anticosti Island and the Quebec mainland.

Today in History for Aug. 5: On this date: In 1100, Henry I ascended the throne of England, three days after his brother, King William II, was killed in a hunting accident.

Today in History for Aug. 3: On this date: In 1460, King James II of Scotland died in a cannon explosion.

Today in History for Aug. 4: On this date: In 1586, a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth I was uncovered.

Today in History for Aug. 6: On this date: In 1623, Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, died. In 1691, Henry Kelsey claimed the Red River Valley for Britain.

Today in Music History for Aug. 5: In 1943, country singer Sammi Smith was born in Orange, Calif.

Today in Music History for Aug. 9: In 1914, Canadian fiddler King Ganam was born Ameen Sied in Swift Current, Sask., to Syrian-English parents. He formed "The Sons of the West" in Edmonton in 1942.

Today in Music History for Aug. 7: In 1942, singer B.J. Thomas was born in Hugo, Okla., but soon moved to Houston, Texas.