Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I was born in the Netherlands, and was largely responsible for the success of one of the most famous Americans of all time. For years, I concealed my real identity, fearing that I might be deported, and said I had run away to join a circus.
OK. I made somebody so famous, that I got a lot of money for it, but had a gambling addiction, blew it all, and had to keep upping my commissions. To stay in the US, I joined the army between WWI and WWII, and assumed the name of my commanding officer.
Final hints: I am the fourth person this week with the same last name to be the subject of this thread . The person I made famous is rumored to be still alive, working at a 7-11 store in Kalamazoo, or in the witness protection program, or at Area 51.
I was a 19th century European whose invention had an enormous impact on the nature of combat in the Crimean and American Civil wars. I was actually the co-developer, but everyone called the invention by my last name. My invention greatly enhanced the rapidity of a specific task done by soldiers, and overcame a problem which used to cause delays or halts in that task.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
