On July 26, 1833, William Wilberforce received news that the Slavery Abolition Act passed—a culmination of four decades fighting to abolish slavery in the British Empire—crediting the influence of John Newton, a former captain of slave ships! Disgusted with his role in the slave trade, Newton left the sea. Influenced by preachers John and Charles Wesley, he began Bible studies in his home, and eventually was ordained into Anglican ministry. For each Thursday evening prayer service, Newton wrote

Singer and songwriter Bill Anderson began his country music career in the 1950s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. | Tennessean