175 years ago on this date in 1837, in Alton, IL, abolitionist printer Elijah P. Lovejoy was shot to death by a mob of slavery supporters while trying to protect his printing shop from being destroyed a third time.

Also on this date, 95 years ago in 1917, Russia's Bolshevik Revolution began as forces led by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin overthrew the provisional government of Alexander Kerensky.

50 years ago on this date in 1962, Richard M. Nixon, having lost California's gubernatorial race, held what he called his "last press conference," telling reporters, "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore"; also on this day, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt died in New York City.

40 years ago on this date in 1972, President Richard Nixon won a second term as president, defeating Democratic Senator George McGovern in a landslide.