Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Oct. 14: In 1066, William of Normandy became the Conqueror with his victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. During the fighting, Harold was hit by an arrow and then mowed down by the sword of a mounted knight.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 4: Country singer Leroy Van Dyke is 95. Actress Felicia Farr is 92. Canadian novelist Rudy Wiebe is 90. Actress Lori Saunders (Bobbie-Jo on "Petticoat Junction") is 83. Author and humorist Roy Blount Jr. is 83.

Today in Music History for Oct. 4: In 1929, Leroy Van Dyke, a former livestock auctioneer turned performer, was born in Spring Fork, Miss.

Today in History for Oct. 4: On this date: In 1535, the printing of the first English-language Bible was completed in London. In 1669, Dutch painter Rembrandt died. In 1824, the Federal Republic of Mexico was proclaimed.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 3: Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Glenn Hall is 93. Composer Steve Reich is 88. Hockey Hall of Fame centre Jean Ratelle is 84. Singer Chubby Checker is 83. Actor Alan Rachins ("Dharma and Greg") is 82.

Today in Music History for Oct. 3: In 1938, '50s rock 'n' roller Eddie Cochran was born in Oklahoma City.

Today in History for Oct. 3rd: On this date: In 1226, St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, died. He was canonized in 1228.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 2: Critic Rex Reed is 86. Singer Don McLean is 79. Actor Eric Peterson ("Corner Gas") is 78. Actor Avery Brooks ("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine") is 76. Fashion designer Donna Karan is 76. Photographer Annie Leibovitz is 75.

Today in Music History for Oct. 2: In 1899, Victor Herbert's operetta "The Singing Girl" received its world premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre in Montreal.

Today in History for Oct. 2: In 322 BC, Greek philosopher Aristotle died. In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River to Hochelaga, present site of Montreal.