September 5th


1698: Tsar Peter I imposes a tax on beards for all Russians, except the clergy, peasantry, and his mother.


1836: Sam Houston is elected first president of the Republic of Texas, edging out some weirdo named “Fort Worth.”


1945: Igor Gouzenko, a Soviet Union embassy clerk, defects to Canada with military secrets… but the Canadians send him back when it turns out he has no stick handling or forechecking skills.