Henry Moore, born this day in 1898, was an English sculptor whose organically shaped, abstract figures in bronze and stone constitute the major 20th-century manifestation of the humanist tradition in sculpture.

Otto von Bismarck—who, as prime minister of Prussia (1862–73, 1873–90), used ruthlessness and moderation to unify Germany, founding the German Empire (1871) and serving as its first chancellor (1871–90)—died this day in 1898.

1975:  Former Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

1956:  The phrase “In God we trust” legally became the national motto of the United States.

1942:  Frank Sinatra sang with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in his last recording before venturing on a solo career.

1540:  Lutheran clergyman Robert Barnes was burned as a heretic after being used by Thomas Cromwell and King Henry VIII to gain European support for their antipapal movement in England.