Famous Americans

1974 10¢ Contemporary Christmas: Currier and Ives
March 27, 1813

Birth of Nathaniel Currier

American lithographer Nathaniel Currier was born on March 27, 1813, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He founded the Currier & Ives printing firm, which produced over 7,500 different images of sentimental scenes, sports, humor, and national events.

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1995 32¢ Tennessee Williams
March 26, 1911

Birth of Tennessee Williams

Thomas Lanier “Tennessee” Williams III was born on March 26, 1911, in Columbus, Mississippi. One of the most successful playwrights of the 20th century, several of his works were adapted into films.

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2015 93¢ Flannery O’Connor
March 25, 1925

Birth of Flannery O’Connor

Mary Flannery O’Connor was born on March 25, 1925, in Savannah, Georgia.  In a career cut short by disease, she produced two novels and more than 30 short stories that have led some to consider her one of the greatest short story writers of the 20th century.

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1955 3¢ Andrew W. Mellon
March 24, 1855

Birth of Andrew Mellon

Andrew William Mellon was born on March 24, 1855, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As one of America’s longest-serving secretaries of state, he helped cut taxes and reduce the national debt following World War I.

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1999 33¢ John and William Bartram
March 23, 1699

Birth of John Bartram 

Botanist John Bartram was born on March 23, 1699, in Darby, Pennsylvania Colony. Called the “greatest natural botanist in the world,” he started one of the first botanic gardens in the United States.

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2007 41¢ Legends of Hollywood: James Stewart
March 22, 1941

James Stewart Goes to War

On March 22, 1941, James Stewart was inducted into the US Army, making him the first major US movie star to don a military uniform during World War II.

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2018 50¢ Mr. Rogers
March 20, 1928

Happy Birthday, Mr. Rogers

Fred McFeely Rogers was born on March 20, 1928, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Hosting Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for over 30 years, he helped transform children’s television.

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1986 $2 Great Americans: William Jennings Bryan
March 19, 1860

Birth of William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan was born on March 19, 1860, in Salem, Illinois.  Known as “The Great Commoner,” Jennings ran for president three times, but is remembered for his impassioned speeches on a variety of topics, including anti-trust, anti-imperialism, prohibition, populism, and trust-busting.

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1968 15¢ Prominent Americans: Oliver Wendell Holmes
March 8, 1841

Birth of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was born on March 8, 1841, in Boston, Massachusetts. Known as “The Great Dissenter,” he is one of the best-known American judges, serving on the Supreme Court for 30 years.

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