2009 Event A large column of advancing rebels are defeated by Chadian forces 2009 Death Hugh Leonard, writer, winner, Jacob's Award, for 'Wuthering Heights', wrote Sunday Independent column 'The Curmudgeon', dies at age 82 1997 Death Jeffrey Bernard, journalist, wrote column, 'Low Life', for The Spectator magazine, dies in Soho, England, after refusing dialysis treatment 1986 Death Sydney J. Harris, journalist, wrote, syndicated column, 'Strictly Personal', wrote for Chicago Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, political positions placed him on the list of Nixon political opponents, wrote, 'The Authentic Person: Dealing with Dilemma', dies in Chicago, Illinois 1973 Event David Eisenhower writes his last sports column 1966 Event An IRA bomb destroyed Nelson's Column in Dublin 1956 Event Abigail Van Buren's "Dear Abby" column 1st appears in newspapers 1938 Event Herb Caen's 1st column in San Francisco Chronicle 1932 Birthday Jeffrey Bernard, born in London, England, journalist, wrote column, 'Low Life', for The Spectator magazine 1926 Birthday Hugh Leonard, born in Dublin, Ireland, writer, winner, Jacob's Award, for 'Wuthering Heights', wrote Sunday Independent column 'The Curmudgeon' 1925 Birthday Art Buchwald, born in New York City, wrote political satire and commentary, had column in The Washington Post 1918 Event Robert Ripley began his "Believe It or Not" column (New York Globe) 1917 Birthday Sydney J. Harris, born in London, England, journalist, wrote, syndicated column, 'Strictly Personal', wrote for Chicago Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, political positions placed him on the list of Nixon political opponents, wrote, 'The Authentic Person: Dealing with Dilemma'