Today in 1855 John Moses Browning was born.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Browning
Pretty much everything he made is still in use today! IMHO thats a testiment to his designs. The 1911 and M2 are still in wide use today after nearly 100 years. The Hi power is still around and quite popular to.
He also devloped some of the most commen rounds in use, that are still the standard over 100 years later. Including the .45 ACP, .50BMG, and .380.