Today in History for Nov. 3, 2014

Nov. 3, 1679 - There was a great panic in Europe over the close approach of a comet.

Nov. 3, 1813 - The Battle of Tallushatchee occurred in what is now Calhoun County. General John Coffee led the Tennessee volunteers, including Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and Cherokee scouts John Ross and Sequoyah as they attacked the Creek Indian village. The American forces killed all adult males (at least 186) and captured an additional 84 women and children. This was the first offensive as Andrew Jackson made his way south to Horseshoe Bend.

Nov. 3, 1816 - Confederate General Jubal Early was born in Franklin City, Virginia.

Nov. 3, 1855 – Isaac Betts Jr. became postmaster at Burnt Corn.

Nov. 3, 1865 - U.S. President Andrew Johnson signed the execution order for Henry Wirz. Wirz was executed for the brutality and mistreatment under his command at Andersonville Prison during the Civil War.

Nov. 3, 1886 – A three-day Southern Cotton Picking Contest began and Thomas B. Nettles, 17, of Monroe County won the championship by picking a record 1,560 pounds, an average of 520 pounds per day.

Nov. 3, 1914 – An election was held in Conecuh County and the total vote was described as the “lightest in many years.” Democratic candidate for Alabama governor Charles Henderson received 502 votes in Conecuh County. Republican Socialist’s Jno. B. Shields and W.C. Swain got eight votes each, while Progressive candidate E.H. Cross got no votes.

Nov. 3, 1918 – Baseball pitcher Bob Feller was born in Van Meter, Iowa. An only child, he spent his days pitching against the side of a barn on his family’s farm. At just 16 years old, in July 1935, Feller signed with Cy Slapnicka, a Cleveland Indian scout, in exchange for an autographed baseball and one dollar.

Nov. 3, 1929 - Providence became the first NFL team to host a game at night under floodlights. The game was against the Cardinals.

Nov. 3, 1953 - The Rules Committee of organized baseball restored the sacrifice fly. The rule had not been used since 1939.

Nov. 3, 1957 - Controversial psychiatrist and scientist, Wilhelm Reich, passed away at the age of 60 at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Nov. 3, 1970 - Fred Gray and Thomas Reed were elected to the state House of Representatives to become the first black Alabama legislators since Reconstruction. Both men won seats from the 31st House District, composed of Macon, Bullock and Barbour counties.

Nov. 3, 1972 – Former University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine.

Nov. 3, 1976 – “Carrie,” a horror film starring Sissy Spacek and based on Stephen King’s 1974 best-selling first novel, opens in theaters around the United States.

Nov. 3, 1989 - Lou Piniella was named the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He replaced the banned Pete Rose.

Nov. 3, 1993 - Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves became the first player to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards on different teams.

Nov. 3, 1996 - Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers became the first NFL player to catch 1,000 career receptions.

Nov. 3, 1998 - Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, died at the age of 83 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Nov. 3, 2006 – Truman Capote’s aunt Marie Rudisill, aka the “Fruitcake Lady,” passed away at the age of 95 in Hudson, Fla.