1608

John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia.

1846

Elias Howe received a patent for his sewing machine.

1987

Pope John Paul II arrived in Miami, where he was welcomed by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the United States.

1991

The Senate Judiciary Committee opened hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. The proceedings would become a watershed moment in the discussion of sexual harassment when law professor Anita Hill came forward with allegations against him.

1998

President Clinton met with members of his Cabinet to apologize, ask forgiveness and promise to improve as a person in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

2017

Hurricane Irma, weakened slightly from Category 5 to Category 4, blew ashore on the Florida Keys with winds of 130 mph.

Birthday’s

Actor Greg Mullavey is 90. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 83. Actor Tom Ligon is 83. Singer Danny Hutton is 81. Singer Jose Feliciano is 78. Actor Judy Geeson is 75. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 75.